Mantonicoz' L'Acino 2021

The Mantonicoz dell'Acino is a surprising orange wine, energetic and vital tale of Calabria's artisanal wine. It cannot be denied that until recently Calabria was viewed with skepticism by many enthusiasts, due to many local realities that prioritized quantity over quality of the grapes. Low-cost wines or grapes used for blending were the order of the day, but fortunately, thanks to an increasingly large group of serious producers, things have started to change. Among these, it is impossible not to mention Dino Briglio, a passionate winemaker with a constant eye on experimentation. The grapes are of course indigenous, such as Mantonico, Guarnaccino, Magliocco, and Greco Bianco, but cultivated in the cleanest way possible, with the aid of only a bit of copper and sulfur. For whites, there is space for skin maceration, while reds, although interpreted in a more classic manner, involve expressiveness and energy. Now an absolute guarantee.

The Mantonicoz wine, as the name suggests, is obtained from pure Mantonico grapes, cultivated without the use of chemicals or synthetic substances and with very low yields in order to prioritize the quality of the fruit. In the cellar, work is done without any sophistication, therefore the alcoholic fermentation occurs spontaneously in steel containers and the liquid is macerated for 8 days on the skins. Aging of 12 months divided between tonneaux and steel, and no clarification or filtration before bottling.

The Mantonicoz Acino presents itself in the glass with an intriguing golden hue that shifts towards orange. A complex and multifaceted liquid, from the very first sniff it offers a profile made of toasted almond, lemon meringue, and ripe fruit, alongside an extremely refreshing vegetal and lymphatic component. On the palate, the liquid is rich and enveloping, but imbued with a savory vein that keeps it always lively and dynamic. A great white from the South.