Feature image by Fabio Ingrosso for CC 2.0.
Manzoni Bianco Grape
Manzoni Bianco is a white grape variety also known as Incrocio Manzoni 6.0.13. It’s perfectly normal for grape varieties to go by different names, even in the same country, but why 6.0.13? Unlike many vitis vinifera grapes which evolved over time and subject to a variety of growing conditions that would eventually bestow unique characteristics, Manzoni Bianco is the fruit of rigorous enological research by Professor Luigi Manzoni during the 1920s and 30s.
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Incrocio Manzoni
Incrocio is Italian for ‘crossing.’ Incrocio Manzoni refers to a whole body of experimental grafted and crossbred grape varieties first created by Manzoni at The Experimental Centre of Viticulture and Enology, in Conegliano, Veneto, which you might recognize a prestigious production area for Prosecco. During the course of his study, Manzoni crossbred a number of grape varieties, including the Prosecco grape Glera and Cabernet Sauvignon (Incrocio Manzoni 2.15) , Manzoni Rosa AKA Incrocio Manzoni 1.50, a pinkish skinned variety made from Trebbiano and Gewürztraminer, and Manzoni Moscato, a cross between Moscato Nero and Raboso Piave.
Incrocio Manzoni 6.0.13
The most successful and wildly produced of Manzoni’s experiments is the 6.0.13, AKA Manzoni Bianco. It a cross between Riesling and Pinot Bianco (Pinot Blanc). The goal of the project was to produce a resilient grape that would easily thrive in vineyard of diverse soil types and climates, while maintaining a complex aromatic profile and elegant palate.
Watch our tasting notes video on Manzoni Bianco.
Manzoni Bianco Wine Tasting Notes
Riesling lovers will immediately pick up on the familiar aromas of honey, white peach, citrus, and petrol. Pinot Blanc brings with it an element quiet, dusty minerality and white and wild flowers. The combination is a beautiful and heady nose. The wines are traditionally dry, with a exceptions. Designed to be enjoyed relatively young, they are silky and balanced on the palate with a long, mouthwatering mineral finish.
Manzoni Bianco Wine Pairing
Manzoni Bianco is a very versatile white wine considering the pretty impressive aromas, smoothness on the palate and that mouthwatering finish. Enjoy it alone as a n aperitif, or with mild cheeses and salads.
Sometimes dry white wines can have a slightly bitter finish in their youth, or be quite acidic, both of which which can clash with certain vegetables. This one won’t. If you like asparagus or radicchio you could have it roasted or even make a risotto to accompany this wine.
The same same goes for grilled or broiled shrimp and scallops. They can both be little bitter, which you always forget about when pairing wine with them. You want something clean but not sharp. This wine has a smoothness that works really well with shellfish. Try a pasta with shrimp and zucchini or scallop gratìn.
Terroir Matters
Like all wines, the climate and terrain determine as much of aromatic and flavor profile as techniques in the winery. Manzoni Bianco is largely produced in Veneto, and mountains and valleys of Trentino Alto Adige. In addition to complex soil types which bolster acidity, altitude also plays a role. Extreme diurnal shifts (hot sunny days and cool nights) produce ample and even explosive aromas. Proximity to lakes and rivers also impact both mineral deposits in the soil and quality and specificity of aromas.
Two Manzoni Bianco Wines To Try
The best way to get to know this wine is try a few from different areas. We’ve selected two, from different regions: Trentino and Veneto. Check out our tasting video as well!
Cesconi Manzoni Bianco VIGNETI DELLE DOLOMITI IGT
Region: Trentino
Production Area: Prabi, Valle dei Laghi, North of Lago di Garda
Variety: Manzoni Bianco. Incrocio Manzoni 6.0.13 100%
Winemaking: Fermentation and steel tanks and acacia barrels. 9 months of aging on the lees in large barrels.
- Tasting Notes:
- White gold tending yellow.
- Rich wild flower aromas, yellow and white fruit and citrus, a hint of spice
- Balanced acidity and silky palate
- Medium-long mineral finish.
Case Paolin, Manzoni Bianco Costa degli Angeli, VEneto IGT
Region: Veneto
Production Area: North of Treviso, on the slopes
of Montello hill. Not far from Conigliano, where Manzono Bianco was first created.
Variety: Manzoni Bianco. Incrocio Manzoni 6.0.13 100%
Winemaking: Oxygen-free vinification. 12-15 hours skin contact and light
crushing. Temperature-controlled fermentation in steel tanks. Aging on the lees for approximately eight months.
- Tasting Notes:
- Pale straw yellow with green hues
- Elegant and fruit forward aromas, notable minerality
- Balanced acidity and sapid on the palate
- Medium-long mineral finish reminiscent of the nose.
Read more about Manzoni Bianco.
