Manzoni Bianco is the most successful of Italy’s grape crossings and one of the most promising in terms of quality worldwide. Unlike many varieties that result from spontaneous cross-pollination in nature, it was deliberately created in a lab setting through targeted experimentation. Its creator, Luigi Manzoni, was known for having a special knack for breeding grape varieties with fine wine potential.
Today, his talent is mainly evidenced by two successful crossings: Incrocio Manzoni 6.0.13, better known as Manzoni Bianco, and Incrocio Manzoni 2.15, or Manzoni Rosso. Although Manzoni bred many more varieties, they were—barbarically, even by academic standards—ripped out by his successors after his retirement.
For a long time, Manzoni Bianco was believed to be a cross between Riesling and Pinot Bianco, but it is in fact a crossing of Riesling and Chardonnay. It has been, and still is, cultivated almost exclusively in Trentino and the Veneto. Typically, the variety shows lively acidity, a fine, spicy, slightly floral aroma, and—in its best expressions—delivers subtle, elegant wines that only benefit from a few years of bottle aging.
Sold out