Monforte d'Alba Riserva Rocche dei Manzoni di Valentino 1998
The 1998 Monforte d'Alba Riserva Rocche dei Manzoni di Valentino is a Vino Spumante di Qualità Brut produced by Podere Rocche dei Manzoni di Valentino. Specifically designated as the Riserva Elena cuvée, this Italian sparkling wine is crafted using the Metodo Classico, the traditional method of sparkling wine production. It is bottled at 12.5% alcohol by volume.
The estate is located in Monforte d'Alba, a municipality in the province of Cuneo within the Piedmont region. Forming the southeastern part of the Langhe hills, Monforte d'Alba is one of the eleven official communes authorized to produce Barolo DOCG. While the area is globally recognized for its red wines, it also has a tradition of cultivating grapes for classic sparkling wines. The local terroir is characterized by steep slopes and a subsoil of marine origin dating back to the Serravallian geological epoch. The well-drained, nutrient-poor soil consists predominantly of compact limestone, clayey marl, and sandstone, locally known as Arenarie di Diano, which forces the vines' roots to search deep into the earth.
Piedmont, which literally translates to "at the foot of the mountain," is situated in northwestern Italy and is bordered by the Alps. It is considered one of the world's most prestigious wine regions, celebrated for its small, family-run wineries and a profound dedication to terroir. The dramatic, steep hills of the region are frequently enveloped in thick morning fog during the autumn months, a natural phenomenon that protects the grapes and facilitates a long, steady ripening process. Beyond its viticultural heritage, Piedmont is a renowned gastronomic center, famous for its exclusive white truffles from Alba and local hazelnuts.
The history of the wine
Below, you can delve into the history of this wine — its producer, grape, area, and region.
Piedmont
Piedmont (which literally means "at the foot of the mountain") is located in northwestern Italy, surrounded by the Alps. It is considered one of the world's absolute most prestigious wine regions. The area is known for small, passionate, family-run wineries and a huge focus on terroir (how the soil and microclimate affect the wine).
Classic characteristics of Piedmont:
The royal wines: This is where the world-famous, complex and expensive red wines Barolo and Barbaresco come from (both made from 100% Nebbiolo).
Everyday heroes: In addition to Nebbiolo, the region is famous for the grapes Barbera (juicy, acidic and incredibly popular) and Dolcetto (dark, soft and fruity).
The white and sweet: Piedmont also makes the crisp white wine Gavi and the famous, lightly sparkling dessert bubbles Moscato d'Asti.
The landscape: Dramatic, steep hills – especially in the Langhe sub-area. The hills are often shrouded in thick morning mist in autumn, which protects the grapes and allows for a long, perfect ripening.
Gastronomy: An absolute mecca for food lovers. The area is world famous for the exclusive white truffles from Alba, hazelnuts and rich, simmered dishes that scream with a glass of local red wine.
When this wine was made, the world looked very different. Here are some of the stories that unfolded while this bottle quietly aged in its cellar.
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How it handles
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Storage
Store the bottle horizontally at 12–14°C and avoid direct sunlight, vibrations, and temperature fluctuations.
Opening
Allow the bottle to stand upright for 24–48 hours before opening to allow sediment to settle. Use a professional corkscrew and open carefully.
Enjoyment
Serve at 17–18°C and be patient – there is a great difference in how and how quickly wines open up when they are aerated.
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