Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Almost better known as Incrocio Manzoni
2.15, this is another successful crossing, but
unlike Manzoni Bianco, is a red variety. Like
many other crossings, it was the result of a mis-
take: the original intent was to create a new
white grape by crossing Glera (the grape with
which Prosecco is made) with Sauvignon Blanc,
but somehow pollen from Cabernet Sauvignon
was used instead of the latter. The resulting
wine, not surprisingly, is red. However recent
data suggests that the red-berried parent is
not Cabernet Sauvignon, but rather Cabernet
Franc, and the same is true of Incrocio Manzoni
2-14 (Cipriani, Spadotto, Jurman, Di Gaspero,
Crespan, Meneghetti, et al. 2010). Though good
wines are made with this crossing, it has never
reached the quality or the fame of its white
sibling. It is a vigorous variety that does well in
both hillside and fl atland vineyards, but needs
hot microclimates to perform best; a high clay
percentage in the soil is also helpful.
intense than those of gewürztraminer, which is
quite a result, given that variety's in-your-face
aromatic personality. In fact, Manzoni Rosa's
aromatics were so powerful that it was ulti-
mately decided it was best suited to make a
sweet rosé. When made as a white wine, its
color is amber-yellow, with strong aromas of
peach, dried apricot, and rose. It's full bodied
and velvety, but very hard to fi nd as a wine on
its own. It was included in the National Regis-
try of grape varieties in 2003.
wines to try: Conte Collalto** (Rosabianco).
Manzoni Moscato
where it's found: Veneto. national regis-
try code number: 376. color: red.
Manzoni Moscato, originally known as
Incrocio Manzoni 13.0.25, is a crossing of
Raboso Piave and Moscato d'Amburgo. Like
Manzoni Rosa, Manzoni Moscato was fi rst listed
in the National Registry in 2003, but unlike it,
Manzoni Moscato has had more success with
producers and you can fi nd many interesting,
good, and inexpensive examples. It is the result
of a strange crossing: Manzoni felt that to coun-
terbalance Raboso's innate tendency to produce
wines that were both very tannic and acidic, the
gentler Moscato d'Amburgo was an ideal candi-
date. Today it is grown only in small plots in the
province of Treviso. Most producers choose to
make a sparkling, lightly off-dry pink wine, but
thanks to notable acidity, it comes across as rela-
tively dry. The wines are also more complex than
those made with Manzoni Rosa, featuring not
just red-berry aromas and fl avors but also hints
of peach, apricot, vanilla bean, and citrus.
Which Wines to Choose and Why
Today Incrocio Manzoni 2.15 is found mainly, if
not only, in the hills surrounding Treviso in
Veneto, especially those outside Conegliano
and Montello. It can compose up to 10 percent
of the DOC Colli di Conegliano Rosso blends.
When pure, a rare fi nd, I have found it to have a
medium-dark red hue and aromas that are
fruity and vinous, with hints of herbs and rasp-
berry. I have also tasted fi ve- and six-year-old
wines that show it can age well.
wines to try: As usual, an excellent source for
these wines is the very competent Conte Collal-
to estate**.
Manzoni Rosa
where it's found: Veneto. national regis-
try code number: 375. color: pink.
Manzoni Rosa, originally named Incrocio
Manzoni 1-50, is a crossing of Trebbiano
Toscano and Gewürztraminer that, not surpris-
ingly, gives wines characterized by extremely
intense fl oral and spicy aromas. In the words of
Manzoni himself, the wine has aromas more
wines to try: Conte Collalto**, Barbaran*,
Molon*, Casa Roma*, Tenuta San Giorgio* (Il
Bizzarro), and Villa Almè (Petalo Rosa).
Merlese
where it's found: Emilia-Romagna. national
registry code number: 400. color: red.
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