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.

Producer: Margherita Otto

Country: Italy

Region: Piedmont

Varietal: Nebbiolo

Appellation: Langhe DOC

Vintage: 2023

Size: 750ml