Margherita Otto - Langhe Nebbiolo 2023

Margherita Otto is a new winery in Monforte d’Alba founded by an American (turned Piemontese!), Alan Manley. Alan grew up in Westchester, NY, and later moved to Colorado where he ran a restaurant for many years. It was there that he developed a love for wine, especially Barolo. His first visit to the region was back in 1995 and he continued to visit as often as possible in the ensuing years. Eventually, he decided to sell his restaurant and move to Barolo with the dream of eventually making his own wine. He moved to the region in 2011 and was lucky to be offered a job helping out at some important, historic wineries in the Langhe.

After a few years, he located and purchased parcels in Monforte d’Alba and Castiglione Falletto. In addition, he was also able to secure a long-term lease on a parcel in Serralunga d’Alba.  As a producer just starting out, it is a challenge to get your hands on well-placed vineyards in Barolo. Alan, however, was lucky enough to gain access to these three choce parcels. In Monforte d’Alba, his parcel is just outside of the official Ginestra cru at its southwestern edge at high elevation (470-500m). In Castiglione Falletto, his parcel is in the steep, southeast-facing portion of the Pernanno cru, and in Serralunga d’Alba his site touches the Vigna Rionda cru, though just outside it, at the bottom of the hill.

Alan was fortunate to vinify his first vintages in a friend’s cellar. He made three “trial” vintages (2012-2014) before his first debut commercial release in the 2015 vintage. In late 2017, he completed his own Cantina in Monforte d'Alba, above which is located his house where he lives with his lovely Piedmontese wife, Daniella. The cellar is equipped with the best of modern and traditional equipment, including a simple basket press and a few Botti from his favorite tiny artisanal cooper, Mittelberger, actually made from French oak (more sturdy, he says!), and coopered in the Alto Adige.

"A bright ruby red color, the 2023 Langhe Nebbiolo is a beautiful, fresh wine designed to be enjoyed young, yet it clearly has another gear. Aromas of ripe raspberries, mandarin orange, and fresh flowers lead into a medium-bodied palate that’s vibrant and energetic. While intended for early drinking over the next 5-7 years, I suspect it could easily surprise with longer aging, but why wait? Drink 2026-2032. About 12,000 bottles were produced." - 92 Points, Jeb Dunnuck

"Showing a light ruby appearance, the Margherita Otto 2023 Langhe Nebbiolo offers a simple but pretty bouquet of dried cherry and rose petal. With fruit blended from five vineyard sites and a short 10- to 12-day maceration to preserve fruit and freshness, the wine remains straightforward yet delivers plenty of varietal character. Drink it young while those fresh, vibrant fruit tones are at their best. Aged for one year in large botti, production is 12,000 bottles." - 91 Points, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

Producer: Margherita Otto

Country: Italy

Region: Piedmont

Varietal: Nebbiolo

Appellation: Langhe DOC

Vintage: 2023

Size: 750ml