Gianfranco Manca
Gianfranco Manca is a Sardinian winemaker renowned for his radical, hands-off approach to viticulture and winemaking. Raised in Nurri, a village in the heart of Sardinia, Gianfranco began his career as a baker, inheriting his uncle’s bakery and continuing the tradition of crafting classic Sardinian breads. In the late 1980s, he also took over and rehabilitated his family's neglected vineyards, which led him to discover a deep passion for winemaking.
The name Panevino—meaning "bread and wine" in Italian—reflects Gianfranco’s dual dedication to the art of fermentation in both baking and winemaking.
🌿 Philosophy & Practices
Gianfranco operates with a strict naturist ethos, going beyond conventional biodynamic practices. His estate spans approximately 6 hectares of old vines, predominantly Cannonau, along with over 30 other varieties, some of which are ancient and nearly extinct, such as Molletu, Muristellu, Alicante, Semidano, Nuragus, Vernaccia, Retallada, Vermentino, and Tzaccaredda. The vineyards are situated at an elevation of around 600–700 meters, benefiting from diverse soils including clay, limestone, schist, and sand.
Gianfranco’s winemaking is characterized by minimal intervention: spontaneous fermentation with indigenous yeasts, no fining or filtration, and minimal use of sulfur dioxide. Each year, he crafts unique cuvées that reflect the specific conditions of the vintage, resulting in wines that are expressions of intuition and emotion.
🍇 Vineyards & Terroir
The Panevino estate is located in the heart of Sardinia, near Nurri, between the regions of Ogliastra and Barbagia. The vineyards are planted on varied terroirs with diverse soils, including clay, shale, limestone, and sand, at an altitude of approximately 600–700 meters. This diverse environment contributes to the distinctive character of the wines.
🍷 Winemaking Style
Gianfranco produces a diverse range of wines, including:
White Wines: Crafted from indigenous varieties such as Retallada, Vernaccia, Nuragus, Semidano, Vermentino, and Malvasia.
Red Wines: Produced from local red grapes like Cannonau, Monica, Carignano, Cagnulari, Onna, Tintillu, Ciliegiolo, Montepulciano, Girò, and Barbera.
Rosé Wines: Made from blends of red and white grapes, including Cannonau, Monica, Carignano, Ciliegiolo, Barbera, Montepulciano, Girò, and Sangiovese.
Orange Wines: Produced with extended skin contact, showcasing varieties like Retallada, Vernaccia, Nuragus, Semidano, Vermentino, and Malvasia.
Sparkling Wines: Including pet-nats and traditional method sparkling wines from grapes like Vermentino.
Each wine is a living work of art, with labels painted by his son, reflecting the unique expression of the vintage.
🌱 Biodynamic & Ecological Practices
While not certified biodynamic, Gianfranco’s farming practices align with biodynamic principles. He focuses on creating a balanced ecosystem within the vineyard, promoting soil health, and fostering biodiversity. This holistic approach ensures the production of healthy, expressive grapes that form the foundation of his exceptional wines.