The Mantonico
Grape
A white grape variety from Calabria, Italy, Mantonico is used to produce both dry and sweet wines. The grape yields wines with floral and fruity aromas, often with a notable acidity and flavors that can include citrus fruits and dried nuts. Mantonico Bianco is sometimes used in the production of passito-style wines.
Mantonico
Grape History
Mantonico is an ancient white wine grape variety native to the Calabria region of southern Italy. It is believed to have originated in the area around the town of Caulonia, near the Ionian Sea coast. The name "Mantonico" is derived from the Calabrian dialect word "mantonicu," meaning fragrant and aromatic, which aptly describes the characteristics of the wines produced from this grape.
Historically, Mantonico has been cultivated in small quantities in Calabria, where it has been prized for its ability to produce wines with a unique combination of freshness, acidity, and complexity. The grape is known for its thick skin, which helps it retain acidity even in hot climates, making it well-suited to the Mediterranean climate of Calabria.
Mantonico is typically used to produce dry white wines, often labeled as "Mantonico Bianco." These wines are characterized by their bright acidity, aromas of citrus fruits, wildflowers, and Mediterranean herbs, as well as a distinct mineral note attributed to the region's volcanic soils.
While Mantonico has been traditionally grown in Calabria, particularly in the provinces of Crotone and Catanzaro, its cultivation has been declining over the years due to factors such as low yields, susceptibility to diseases, and the high maintenance required for its cultivation. However, in recent years, there has been a renewed interest in reviving this ancient grape variety, driven by a growing appreciation for indigenous grape varieties and a desire to preserve the biodiversity of Italy's viticultural heritage.
Some producers in Calabria have been working to rehabilitate old vineyards, improve viticultural practices, and explore new winemaking techniques to showcase the unique qualities of Mantonico. As a result, Mantonico wines have started to gain recognition both domestically and internationally for their quality and distinctive character.
The future of Mantonico looks promising, with efforts underway to promote and protect this indigenous grape variety. With increasing consumer interest in unique and authentic wines, Mantonico has the potential to carve out a niche for itself in the global market as a distinctive expression of Calabrian terroir. As more producers invest in Mantonico vineyards and winemaking, we can expect to see a greater diversity of styles and expressions of this grape in the years to come.