The Mantonico is a white-wine grape varietal originating from Italy. This unique and indigenous grape of Southern Italy, specifically Calabria, is predominantly grown in the northern province of Cosenza. It’s noteworthy for its versatility, as it is characterised by its delightful colour and rich complexity, with even dry table wines involving Mantonico grapes being fairly aromatic and flavoursome.
Winemakers have often made use of the Mantonico grape for creating delectable late-harvest and sweet wines. Its Greek origins are theorised from its commonly assumed etymological link to the word 'maintain'. This is thought to reflect the grape's brilliant longevity, with Mantonico vines famous for their late-ripening trait – thus making them wonderfully suited for passito style dessert wines.
The expansive bunches of Mantonico grapes tend to consist of medium to small-sized berries, and this grape variety is known for its high resistance to the common grape diseases that often plague the growth cycle in other vineyards. This durability only adds to its reputation as a robust variety that needs very little intervention to flourish.
When it comes to the taste profile, wines from the grape are noticeably aromatic, with intriguing hints of distinct mineral notes, delivered with a balanced yet firm structure. In terms of aroma, one could expect a delightfully delicate bouquet of fresh flowers, dried fruit, and occasionally hazelnut, honey, and even smoky tones.
Whether you encounter it as a single-varietal wine or blended with other Italian grapes, the Mantonico presents a noteworthy quality and is an exploring oenophile’s treasure. A bottle of Mantonico wine is an experience that evokes the sunny climes and rich, ancient soils of its Italian homeland. As such, the Mantonico grape holds an esteemed place in the annals of fine winemaking.
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