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B-21 Top Recommendation
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"...the wines are rooted in classic Langhe traditions while expressing precision and transparency." - Monica Larner, Wine Advocate
You might think the above quote from Monica Larner refers to one of Piedmont's age-old, historic estates, but in fact, she's referring to Margherita Otto, one of the region's newest upstarts, which is gaining serious attention and acclaim from the critical sphere. Founded by American Alan Manley, the winery's first commercial vintage was the excellent 2015 campaign, and now Manley is hitting full stride. Sourcing fruit from three parcels that abut some Barolo's most iconic crus, he makes his wine in the old-school assemblaggio method, blending the fruit prior to long fermentation and maceration in concrete vats. Aging takes place in large botti, endowing the wines with wonderful classical appeal.
The trio on offer here is a textbook introduction to Manley's style, and as you can see, the press is impressed. The WA96 Barolo from the hallowed 2021 vintage is "beautifully etched and focused ... a complete expression of Nebbiolo with remarkable aromatic purity, elegant structure and impressive mid-palate length." Its 2020 predecessor likewise notched 96 points for its approachable charm. "It’s a gorgeous, complex wine," notes Antonio Galloni, "a classy, elegant Barolo through and through." Finally, the 93-point 2023 Langhe Nebbiolo is "a beautiful, fresh wine designed to be enjoyed young, yet it clearly has another gear." As new discoveries go, Piedmont is not the first place you look, but this trio shows that even in a region as old and established as Piedmont, there's something new under the sun. |
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The 2023 Langhe Nebbiolo from Margherita Otto opens with aromas of eucalyptus, violet, cake spice and dark-skinned berry. Full-bodied and savory, the enveloping palate features succulent Marasca cherry, star anise, vanilla and mentholated notes. Polished tannins and fresh acidity keep it balanced.
93 points, Kerin O'Keefe (Apr 2026)
A bright ruby red color, the 2023 Langhe Nebbiolo is a beautiful, fresh wine designed to be enjoyed young, yet it clearly has another gear. Aromas of ripe raspberries, mandarin orange, and fresh flowers lead into a medium-bodied palate that’s vibrant and energetic. While intended for early drinking over the next 5-7 years, I suspect it could easily surprise with longer aging, but why wait? Drink 2026-2032. About 12,000 bottles were produced.
92 points, Audrey Frick, Jeb Dunnuck (Apr 2026)
Showing a light ruby appearance, the Margherita Otto 2023 Langhe Nebbiolo offers a simple but pretty bouquet of dried cherry and rose petal. With fruit blended from five vineyard sites and a short 10- to 12-day maceration to preserve fruit and freshness, the wine remains straightforward yet delivers plenty of varietal character. Drink it young while those fresh, vibrant fruit tones are at their best. Aged for one year in large botti, production is 12,000 bottles.
91 points, Monica Larner, Wine Advocate (Jul 2026)
The 2023 Langhe Nebbiolo is super classy and elegant. Sweet macerated cherry, cinnamon, dried rose petal, mint and cedar are all nicely lifted. A short fermentation keeps the flavors bright. This is so delicious. The aromatics alone are quite compelling.
91 points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous (Jan 2026)
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