Questo vino
Vineyard and terroir
Mantus is a pure Merlot from the estate’s vineyards in the Montalcino area. Merlot occupies sandy-clay ground within the seven-hectare estate, where vines are planted at 6,200 plants per hectare. Three green prunings each year keep yields very low.
Grapes
100% Merlot. The 2017 vintage was made from organically grown grapes.
Vinification
Estate practice begins with selective hand-harvesting at full maturity. Grapes are fermented in small temperature-controlled stainless-steel vats or new wooden barrels. Manual punch-downs extract colour and tannin, while cool must temperatures preserve fruit and spice aromas.
Ageing
Estate wines mature for up to 30 months in Allier French oak barriques and tonneaux.
Tasting profile
The 2017 vintage combines blackberry and dark chocolate with rosewood nuances. It is full-bodied, with firm, tight, polished tannins and a focused profile. The 2015 shows blackberry, blueberry and hazelnut, with a full body, soft tannins and a flavourful finish. The 2014 is round and chewy, offering berry and light vanilla over a medium body. The 2013 presents blueberry and chocolate, fine texture, medium body and vivid freshness. The 2012 is soft and silky, with toasted oak, dried fruit and abundant berry flavours.
The 2010 has blueberry-and-cream aromas, a full body, integrated tannins, sleek structure and a caressing, medium-length finish. The 2007 combines mineral and white-stone notes with plush fruit and cherry, retaining elegance rather than jammy ripeness. The 2006 shows blackberry and green olive, a full body, chewy tannins, juicy fruit and considerable depth. The 2005 offers blueberry and raspberry, full body, silky tannins and a long, caressing finish. The 2004 combines plum, blackberry and chocolate with a full body, velvety tannins and a very long finish; another assessment notes strawberry, blueberry, almond, balsamic and mint tones with silky, smooth tannins. The 2002 is medium-bodied and juicy, with black olive, meat and berry aromas, chewy tannins and a medium finish; a second assessment emphasizes black cherry framed by dark tannin.
Serving and pairing
The 2002 vintage benefits from decanting and was paired with prime rib. Drinking windows vary by vintage: the 2017 and 2013 may be enjoyed or held, while several earlier releases were recommended for further bottle age.
Vintage notes
Published reviews cover the 2002–2019 period, although no review text accompanies the 2018 or 2019 headings. Reported production for reviewed historical releases was 325 cases for 2006, 170 cases for 2005 and 430 cases for 2004; the 2002 review records 200 cases imported rather than total production.
Label / history
Mantus won first place in the national Mondo Merlot competition, Merlot d’Italia.
