From the revival of rare varieties to the promotion of Monferrato’s identity: for over forty years, the winery has championed the biodiversity of its territory.
Castelnuovo Don Bosco (Asti, Piedmont), May 27 2026 – Since its founding in 1983, Cascina Gilli has served as a primary ambassador for the authentic spirit of Upper Monferrato. Managing 11 hectares of estate vineyards nestled within Piedmont’s UNESCO-listed hills near Turin, Cascina Gilli’s mission is rooted in a steadfast commitment to showcasing this unique terroir and its indigenous grapes. Standout varieties include Malvasia di Schierano — fresh, aromatic, and low in alcohol; Freisa — vigorous and complex, sourced from one of the estate’s historic vineyards; and Albugnano, an original and lesser-known expression of Nebbiolo.
The excellence of Cascina Gilli’s wines is deeply tied to a rare geological mosaic of sand and white soils: a marly system where the light-colored fraction derives directly from the chalky bedrock. As a testament to this deep connection with the subsoil, the historic cellars in the village are carved directly into the chalk, setting them apart from the tuff (tufa) typical of the rest of Monferrato. The presence of Marne di Sant’Agata (Sant’Agata Marls) enriches the estate’s soil with rare characteristics shared by only a few of the world’s great terroirs, imbuing the wines with exceptional aromatic intensity and an innate, elegant structure.
Malvasia di Schierano: A Heritage Preserved Through Research
A true relic of biodiversity, Malvasia di Schierano is a red-berried grape named after the hamlet near Castelnuovo Don Bosco. Now preserved within a restricted area of around 100 hectares, this variety is distinguished by a unique aromatic profile that is more delicate and subtle than Malvasia Lunga. Historically tied to rural life, it was traditionally vinified within family settings as a lightly sparkling sweet wine intended for local consumption and festive occasions. Its revival is the result of an extensive research project spearheaded by Cascina Gilli, which identified authentic clones recovered through the collective memory of local growers.
This variety is showcased in its purest form in the Gilli Extra Dry (link), a Martinotti-method sparkling wine characterized by low residual sugar and notes of wild strawberry. It is also blended with Malvasia Nera Lunga to create the winery’s most iconic traditional label:
Gilli Malvasia di Castelnuovo Don Bosco DOC 2025 (link)
Aromatic, delicately sparkling, and low in alcohol (5.5% ABV), Gilli’s Malvasia is a manifesto of tradition in constant evolution. It is crafted from hand-picked grapes grown on the estate’s hillside vineyards. The winemaking process involves gentle pressing and a brief maceration on the skins to extract its signature bright ruby color while maintaining a light, effortless palate. Pressurized tank fermentation and subsequent microfiltration ensure perfect stability and the integrity of a bouquet that releases fragrant notes of red berries and rose petals. Its sweet, vibrant, and refreshing character makes it a versatile companion, ideal for pastries and chocolate, yet surprisingly effective when paired with charcuterie for summer aperitifs. T Thanks to its screw cap closure, the wine can be easily reopened while maintaining its freshness after opening.
Albugnano DOC: Nebbiolo Shaped by Light, Air, and Lean Soils
In this enclave just outside Turin, Nebbiolo finds a new interpretation, drifting away from the heavy structure of the Langhe and the austerity of more northern regions. Since 2017, Cascina Gilli has been a leading proponent of the Albugnano 549 project, dedicated to promoting a Nebbiolo shaped by high altitudes and lean soils. Alongside Notturno—an enveloping and fragrant Albugnano aged for 12 months in barrique—the winery now presents its latest release:
Neuv – Albugnano DOC Superiore 2022 (link)
Signifying a new oenological cycle—as suggested by its Piedmontese name „Neuv“ (nine), the last of the single digits—this wine originates from Cascina Gilli’s highest-altitude vineyards. Produced from 100% hand-harvested Nebbiolo, it undergoes a 20-day maceration and 18 months of aging in barrique, followed by a further 9 months in the bottle. The result is a wine of brilliant ruby color with garnet highlights, featuring a bouquet ranging from dried violet to leather and fresh coffee. On the palate, Neuv stands out for its persistent tannic structure and significant aging potential. It is the ideal companion for hearty traditional meat dishes, such as the slow-cooked Piedmontese beef stew known as fricandò, and other rich, savory entrées.
About Cascina Gilli
Since 1983, Cascina Gilli has been a benchmark for the promotion of Monferrato’s indigenous varieties. Located in Castelnuovo Don Bosco, Piedmont, the estate manages 11 hectares planted with Freisa, Malvasia, Barbera, Bonarda, and Nebbiolo, distributed across a mosaic of sand and white soils within the UNESCO-listed Monferrato hills. Today, the winery is led by Davide Gasperini, Paolo Vergnano (son of founder Gianni), and Federico Mussetto. This team brings new expertise and a shared drive to elevate a unique territory, while also preserving a historic 18th-century farmhouse that serves as a hub for local culture. Signature labels include Il Forno—a refined Freisa d’Asti from a historic estate vineyard—the timeless and aromatic Malvasia di Castelnuovo Don Bosco DOC, and the Albugnano DOC Notturno, a premier expression of hillside Nebbiolo. Under an authentic production philosophy, these wines stand as a testament to the winery’s vital work in guarding and celebrating Italy’s native viticultural heritage. As a guarantee of their ongoing commitment to sustainable production, the winery obtained the SQNPI certification in 2021, reflecting their dedication to enhancing biodiversity and implementing environmentally friendly farming through integrated production methods.
