Three new still wines, one common direction: returning to the roots with a contemporary outlook. For Le Manzane, one of the most dynamic wineries of the Conegliano Valdobbiadene DOCG, the upcoming Vinitaly (12–15 April, Hall 5, Stand F5) will be the occasion to present a pure Bianchetta and two Merlots expressed through different yet complementary interpretations. This is a project that steps away from sparkling wines—long the core of the winery’s identity—born from the Balbinot family’s desire to highlight the authenticity of the territory without betraying their production history.
Rooted for over forty years in the heart of the Treviso hills, Le Manzane continues to shape its winemaking narrative with new chapters that stand alongside its sparkling tradition, placing the spotlight on identity‑driven grape varieties and an increasingly sustainability‑oriented approach.
Bianchetta: a “silent” grape variety returning to center stage
The first new release is Bianchetta, a historic native grape of the hills of San Pietro di Feletto. The decision to vinify it in purity stems, as Ernesto Balbinot explains, from the desire to bring back attention to a grape deeply tied to the local landscape:
“We strongly believe in the grape varieties that truly represent this territory, in all their expressions. The choice to vinify Bianchetta—an historic grape of our hills—comes from the desire to revive an indigenous variety, often silent, yet capable of conveying finesse, freshness and authenticity.”
In the glass, Bianchetta stands out for its soft, fresh and mineral profile, characterized by white‑fleshed fruit and an elegant hint of pear, with a harmonious and persistent finish confirming its territorial identity.
Merlot and Merlot Fuscato: two souls of the same family story
Alongside Bianchetta, Le Manzane presents two interpretations of Merlot, a grape that symbolizes the family’s agricultural history.
“The two Merlots, born from different parcels, vintages and cellar choices, express two souls of the same variety,” notes Ernesto Balbinot. “One is more immediate, focused on fruit freshness, balance and drinkability; the other comes from a more careful grape selection and longer aging, giving it greater structure, depth and ageing potential.”
The younger and more approachable Merlot expresses notes of cherry and black cherry, a touch of violet and a light spice that amplifies its spontaneity. The Fuscato, on the other hand, immediately reveals its more complex character, with aromas of ripe red fruit, black cherry, sour cherry, hints of jam, cocoa accents and delicate toasty nuances that anticipate an elegant, spicy finish, with a slightly honeyed note.
Green packaging and a vegan Fuscato: Le Manzane’s sustainable turn
This new production phase coincides with a sustainability path that takes shape, for Bianchetta, in a dedicated green packaging project.
“We have chosen to use lighter bottles made with 77% recycled glass, reducing the weight of materials and consequently the environmental impact linked to both production and transport,” explains Anna Balbinot, head of communication and marketing.
The upcoming Vinitaly will also mark the debut of Fuscato in its vegan version.
“Our production philosophy has long been oriented toward practices consistent with this approach. With this wine, we simply decided to highlight and make explicit a path we have already been pursuing in the cellar,” concludes Anna Balbinot.
