Monchiero
Monchiero Barolo Montanello
Monchiero’s Montanello vineyard is situated within Castiglione Falletto, at the heart of the Barolo production area. This Cru site is located on the popular western ridge, boasting a sunny, southwestern exposure. Monchiero's parcel of Montanello was initially planted in 1954 and acquired by Monchiero in 2000. The wines originating from this vineyard are known for their richness and structured nature, with significant aging potential.
VINEYARD
Designation
Subregion
MGA
Grape Variety
Type
Soil
Vineyard
WINERY
Fermentation
Aging
Alcohol
AT HOME
Serving Temperature
Cellaring
Castiglione Falletto
Montanello
100% Nebbiolo
Dry, still red wine
Sedimentary soil of limestone and clay, known as gray marl. Higher proportion of clay.
Produced with Nebbiolo grapes from the “cru” Montanello located in the historic town of Castiglione Falletto. Southwest facing on a moderate slope.
Maceration lasts 20 days, followed by fermentation in stainless steel with pump overs for 20 days.
Three years aging in traditional large Slavonian casks, then two years aging in bottle before release.
14%
59°F to 65°F (16°C)
Up to 30 years
Appearance:
Medium garnet with an orange rim.
Nose:
Red cherry, dark chocolate, wet gravel, roses, potting soil, licorice, kumquat, mossy rocks, sculpture clay, coffee, teriyaki sauce.
Taste:
Red cherry, dark chocolate and tobacco leaf. Full bodied and structured. Wet gravel acidity.
Pairing:
Great with stews, braised red meat or game, truffle dishes or seasoned cheese.
Why We Love This Wine
Monchiero's parcel of the Montanello vineyard is relatively small, covering only 0.75 acres, and yields approximately 2600 bottles per year. What sets this vineyard apart is its grey marl soil, a type of sedimentary rock containing clay and calcite. This dense soil, akin to that found in Serralunga d’Alba, imparts dark color, intense flavor, and excellent aging capabilities to the wines produced.
The impact of soil on Nebbiolo is clearly demonstrated when contrasting Montanello with the sandy soils of Monchiero Rocche di Castiglione Barolo. Montanello wines exhibit a broad and powerful palate, with a distinctive characteristic of relatively soft tannins (especially for a Barolo). This attribute makes the wines more approachable and immediately enjoyable. Furthermore, the presence of numerous secondary and tertiary aromas enhances the wine's suitability for aging.
In essence, Montanello stands out as an exceptional wine - striking a perfect balance of body, tannin and acidity suitable for immediate enjoyment or extended aging. It embodies completeness without excess, underscoring the reason why Barolo is revered as one of the finest wines in the world.
Barolo
Montanello
2019
Some baking spices, dried kumquats, blood oranges, menthol and minerals. The tight and full-bodied palate shows structure, transparency and tension. Austere, broad and pretty long. Drink from 2025.
— Zekun Shuai, JamesSuckling.com
A delightful Barolo that tantalizes with baked bramble fruits and enchanting sweet spices. The tannins are pretty and refined, creating a taut structure that keeps you on your toes. It's like a lively dance on the palate, with each sip revealing new layers of flavor. An engaging wine that will provide joy for years to come. Drink Now - 2045.
— Jeff Porter, Wine Enthusiast
One of the 12 best wines tasted, according to Gambero Rosso
The Monchiero Barolo Montanello 2019 is a wine of great elegance despite its young age. The excellent vintage fills the glass with earthy notes, licorice, and underbrush, convincing the palate with acidic freshness, a present but well-integrated tannin, and a final savoriness that makes it deep, extremely refined, and vibrant.
— Gambero Rosso, Slow Wine Fair
About the Winery
The Monchiero family, with a longstanding connection to winemaking, initially worked as sharecroppers on the Montanello estate, cultivating grapes. In the 1950s, brothers Remo and Maggiorino acquired their own land and began producing wine under the Monchiero label in the 1970s. By 1982, they had purchased a winery dating back to the 13th century. Presently, the 25 acres of vineyard and winery are managed by their son, Vittorio, and his wife, Daniela, with their children, Luca and Stefano, actively involved in overseeing the operations.
Images Courtesy of Monchiero