Castagnole Monferrato lies on a ridge in the Asti Monferrato region, amidst a landscape of gently rolling hills that are well-exposed and have long been associated with viticulture. The village, situated at an altitude of around 200 metres, finds one of the keys to its oenological identity in the combination of light, ventilation and dry soils. The vineyard area extends across hilly terrain composed of clay, silt, sand and limestone, with a geology that marks a transition between the marl of the Monferrato and the Pliocene sands of Asti: a structure that favours wines that are crisp, aromatic and full of lovely tension.
The flagship grape variety is Ruchè, a rare indigenous black grape that has found its historical and territorial home here, alongside traditional local varieties such as Barbera and Brachetto. The wines of Castagnole Monferrato are characterised by intense aromas, floral and spicy nuances, a ruby colour and a dry, rounded and harmonious palate. Viticulture favours sunny hillside slopes, espalier training systems and traditional pruning methods such as Guyot and low spurred cordon. The modern revival of Ruchè, linked to the work of Don Cauda in the 20th century, has consolidated a wine-growing heritage that is now recognised by the DOCG designation and deeply rooted in the town’s culture.