JOANNA DUBRAWSKA
Gaillac
South West
Joanna Dubrawska’s Maninalto project is unusual in the sense that it is a nomadic winery of sorts. Joanna got her start in the wine world working with Giusto Occhipinti of the legendary COS estate in Sicily. It was not long before Joanna decided to embark on her own personal venture: “I wanted to create
something of my own, something more personal, an expression of my feelings. That’s when I knew that I had to make my own wine.”
Her first vintage was in 2015 when she worked with grapes acquired from a veritable who’s who of Sicilian winemakers, including Arianna Occhipinti, COS, and Piano Grillo. More recently, Joanna has brought the project to France, where she continues her work with fruit grown by Domaine Cazottes.
The 2019 vintage is a Maninalto Savoie edition, thanks to Sylvain of Domaine des 13 Lunes. 2020 sees the arrival of the Loire edition, producing a stunning, rustic example of Grolleau. And more recently, for her 2021 she partnered with none other than Oriol Artigas in Catalunya (Spain) whilst still being based in Gaillac.
Maninalto 2019
Vintage 2019
Style White
Region Savoie, South West France
Varieties Jacquére, Loin de l’Oeuil
ABV 10.5%
Soils
Farming Organic
Winemaking The Maninalto Savoie edition is a blend of old vines of Jacquére (Savoie) and Loin de l’Oeil (South West France). The Jacquére was organically grown by Domaine 13 Lunes in conversion to Biodynamic. Both varieties were fermented spontaneously with skin contact for one month. The Jacquére after fermentation was transferred to a fibre glass tank, whereas de Loin de l’Oeil was aged in old barriques for 6 months. After this the grapes were then blended and the wine rested in a fibre glass tank for 3 months prior to bottling. Unfiltered. The bottles are finished with a natural wax cap.
Tasting Note Silky yellow apple, heather, stone fruit on the palate, followed by a refreshing saline citrus finish. Even though this sees a long maceration period, it does not behave like an orange wine, it is much more delicate and precise.
Maninalto 2021
Vintage 2021
Style Orange
Region Penedès, Catalunya
Varieties Xarel-lo
ABV 11%
Soils
Farming Organic
Winemaking Grapes are processed in whole bunches and macerated on the skins for 52 days. Grapes are then de-stemmed and pressed in mid November. Joanna opts for a gentle approach and does not use any punch downs, pump overs, or racking during vinification. No sulfur was added.
Tasting Note Ripe citrus, hay and jasmines notes come to mind. The palate lends itself to a nice grip and concentration, yet the wine is elegant and precise.
Maninalto 2020
Vintage 2020
Style Red
Region Tours, Loire
Varieties Grolleau
ABV
Soils
Farming Organic
Winemaking The Maninalto Loire edition is made with 100% Grolleau grapes, organically grown in a vineyard near Tours in the Loire Valley. The grapes have been de-stemmed and macerated for a few days in an open truncated wooden tank. Spontaneous fermentation, with skins for one week. The wine is then transferred to a fibre glass tank after a gentle press.
Tasting Note Dried blueberry, wet stones, flint, violets and earthy finish. This can be quite earthy once open and will require a period of decanting until the vibrant forest fruits and floral notes shine through.