Ferrero Barolo Bricco Manzoni 2015 DOCG

Ferrero Barolo Bricco Manzoni 2015 DOCG is the flagship Barolo from Fratelli Ferrero, crafted from Nebbiolo grown on one of the estate’s most prized crus in Piemonte. This is a powerful, classically styled Barolo that has impressed international critics and is built for those who appreciate depth, structure and authentic terroir. Dense, complex and ageworthy, it encapsulates the traditional soul of Barolo with a finely judged modern precision.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the 2015 Bricco Manzoni shows a deep garnet core with brick-orange reflections at the rim, already hinting at its evolution. The nose is intense and layered, opening with classic Barolo notes of tar and dried roses, followed by ripe red cherries, black tea, leather and a touch of licorice and warm spice. With air, nuances of dried herbs, underbrush and subtle tobacco emerge. On the palate, this is a full-bodied, firmly structured wine with an impressive concentration of fruit. Flavors of sour cherry, wild strawberry and plum are framed by savory notes of tar, truffle, spice and earthy minerality. The tannins are abundant yet fine-grained, giving the wine a powerful backbone that promises long development in bottle. Acidity is vibrant and keeps the wine lifted and precise through a long, persistent finish. While already enjoyable with proper aeration, this 2015 still has many years ahead of it; it should continue to evolve gracefully for at least another 10–15 years, gaining more tertiary notes of leather, dried flowers and forest floor.

Production
Bricco Manzoni is a single-cru Barolo sourced from hillside vineyards in Piemonte, where Nebbiolo thrives on calcareous clay and marl soils that lend both power and finesse. The site’s elevation and exposure ensure excellent ripening while preserving acidity, and yields are kept low to concentrate flavor and structure. Grapes are typically harvested by hand to allow strict selection of only the healthiest, ripest bunches. In keeping with the Ferrero family’s traditional philosophy, fermentation takes place with extended maceration to extract color, tannin and aromatic complexity from the Nebbiolo skins. The wine is then aged in large, seasoned oak casks rather than heavy new barriques, preserving the purity of the fruit and the character of the terroir while allowing slow, gentle maturation in the estate’s centuries-old cellars.

Food & Serving
This is a Barolo that demands equally substantial food. It pairs beautifully with rich, slow-cooked meat dishes such as braised beef (brasato al Barolo), ossobuco, game, and lamb shanks, as well as truffle-based dishes, mushroom ragù and aged hard cheeses like Parmigiano Reggiano or mature Pecorino. Serve at 16–18°C (60–64°F) to highlight its complexity and aromatic nuances. Decanting is strongly recommended, particularly in its youth: give it at least 1–2 hours in a decanter to soften the tannins and allow the bouquet to fully open.

Producer
Fratelli Ferrero is a family-run estate in Piemonte, renowned for crafting characterful Barbera and Barolo wines in small quantities, with a strong commitment to traditional methods. The winery’s historic cellars, several centuries old, provide an ideal environment for slow maturation and have become a hallmark of its distinctive style. Under the guidance of Renato Ferrero, the estate has earned a reputation for concentrated, terroir-driven wines made with restrained use of new oak, allowing Nebbiolo and Barbera to speak clearly of their origins. Ferrero’s wines have garnered recognition in tastings abroad, including in Denmark, where they have been singled out among the best in their categories. The presence of Renato’s Danish wife, Nina, and their welcoming agriturismo further anchor the estate as a charming and authentic destination in the Barolo region.