Schlagwort: Monferrato

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Frasca La Guaragna
Giving Nizza Its Own Voice

In our earlier journey through Monferrato (link) – the beating heart of Piedmont’s viticultural soul – we found a landscape of quiet resistance, one where Barbera, Freisa, Grignolino and a constellation of local varieties still speak in their own voice, well outside the long shadow cast by Barolo and Barbaresco. (Read the full story here).

We return to the same hills today for a closer look at one of the region’s more interesting recent arrivals: Frasca La Guaragna (link), a young estate built on an unlikely partnership between Curt (Curtis) Frasca, an Italian-American former record producer who fell for Nizza almost by accident, and Matteo Gerbi, a Piedmontese winemaker who set out to give Barbera its most serious expression. What began as a chance meeting in 2018 has grown into a project that treats Nizza DOCG (link) not as a curiosity but as the region’s rightful flagship.

„Frasca La Guaragna
Giving Nizza Its Own Voice“ weiterlesen
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Harvest 2026: Consorzio Barbera d’Asti and Wines of Monferrato Call for a National Debate on the Future of the Wine Sector

Costigliole d’Asti (Piedmont), September 15th  2026 – The 2026 harvest in the territory of the Consorzio Barbera d’Asti e Vini del Monferrato (link) has begun with encouraging signs. Vineyards have responded well to a season marked by increasingly variable weather conditions, resulting in an overall very positive outlook for the harvest. Initial estimates indicate balanced production in line with the area’s potential, with promising prospects both in terms of quality and quantity.

„Harvest 2026: Consorzio Barbera d’Asti and Wines of Monferrato Call for a National Debate on the Future of the Wine Sector“ weiterlesen
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The Consorzio del Nizza DOCG is Officially Born
A new chapter begins for Monferrato’s winemaking excellence in Piedmont

June 30, 2026, Nizza Monferrato – A historic milestone for the Piedmontese and Italian wine scene: by decree of the Italian Ministry of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forestry, the Consorzio del Nizza DOCG (link) was officially recognized on June 22, 2026.

„The Consorzio del Nizza DOCG is Officially Born
A new chapter begins for Monferrato’s winemaking excellence in Piedmont“ weiterlesen
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Savouring Piedmont in Zurich
A memorable lunch with Davide Gasperini, Cascina Gilli, at Casa Ferlin

On the 26th of May 2026, I had the pleasure of sharing a memorable lunch at Casa Ferlin (link) in Zurich – one of Switzerland’s finest Italian restaurants since 1907 (Gault-Millau even describes it as a century-old Italian institution in a glowing review (link)) – with Davide Gasperini, of Cascina Gilli (link), some wine journalists and Luca Bollati, the Swiss importer (link). This wasn’t just a meal; it was a celebration of Piedmontese winemaking excellence, exceptional cuisine, and the Italian art of far niente – the sweet, deliberate practice of doing nothing but fully savouring the present moment. We tasted some wines from the vintage 2024.

„Savouring Piedmont in Zurich
A memorable lunch with Davide Gasperini, Cascina Gilli, at Casa Ferlin“ weiterlesen
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Bersano Reimagines its Icons

When heritage becomes design: the Piedmontese winery unveils a new visual identity for its most iconic winesNizza Monferrato, June 2026 – “We didn’t change the label; we made visible what Bersano has always been.” With these words, Federico Orione, the latest generation of the Bersano (link) family and today at the helm of the company’s sales and marketing activities, introduces the new design of Icons, the collection that brings together Bersano’s most representative wines. The project marks a new chapter in Bersano’s visual identity, bringing to the surface authentic elements of a story that spans almost 120 years.

„Bersano Reimagines its Icons“ weiterlesen
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Pontiselli: Gianni Doglia’s New Nizza DOCG

From Agliano Terme, a mineral, linear expression of Nizza DOCG from a single vineyard

Castagnole delle Lanze, April 2026 – Gianni Doglia (link) presents Pontiselli, a new Nizza DOCG made from 100% Barbera, released in a limited run of around 600 bottles. Drawn from a single vineyard, the wine reflects a clear intent: to capture the identity of a specific site within the appellation.

„Pontiselli: Gianni Doglia’s New Nizza DOCG“ weiterlesen
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Cascina Castlèt: The Red Lady’s Quiet Revolution in Costigliole

On a golden late-summer morning, we arrived at Cascina Castlèt, nestled among the gentle hills of Costigliole d’Asti. The air carried the promise of autumn mists. We were greeted not by a formal delegation, but by Mariuccia Borio herself – an impressive lady radiating enthusiasm and unstop­pable energy, her eyes sparkling with the same fire she has brought to this Cascina since inheriting it from her father in 1970 – and Alice Bianco, the charming head of wine tourism at the estate. Mariuccia Borio produced her 55th vintage in 2025 at the Cascina.

„Cascina Castlèt: The Red Lady’s Quiet Revolution in Costigliole“ weiterlesen