The Monferrato Astigiano is a hilly region in the heart of Piedmont, characterised by gently rolling hills and often well-exposed slopes, where viticulture blends with villages, farmhouses, Romanesque churches and ancient wine cellars. The hills, generally ranging in altitude from 150 to 400 metres, enjoy a temperate or warm-temperate climate, with plenty of sunshine, moderate winds and conditions favourable to the gradual ripening of the grapes.
The variety of soils plays a decisive role in the distinctive character of the wines. The Asti landscape features the so-called ‘white soils’, composed of calcareous marl rich in calcium carbonate, silt and clay, often characterised by the presence of fossils, and the ‘Astesane sands’, Pliocene marine sediments found mainly in the central part of the Monferrato Astigiano. The former favour structured, intense and long-lived wines; the latter give rise to wines that are more approachable, fragrant and dynamic.
Barbera is a cornerstone of the region, producing wines of remarkable freshness, deep colour and good ageing potential. Alongside it, the grape variety heritage includes Grignolino, Freisa, Dolcetto, Ruchè, Malvasia di Castelnuovo Don Bosco and Cortese, as well as the various interpretations covered by the Monferrato, Piemonte and Terre Alfieri appellations. The result is a diverse range of young or aged reds, aromatic wines, rosés, whites and both dry and sweet styles.
The local winemaking tradition stems from an ancient rural culture, still evident in the care taken with the hillside vineyards and in the central role of the cellar as a place for storage and sharing. Winemaking alternates between stainless steel, concrete and wood depending on the grape variety and the desired style, enhancing both the varietal freshness and the complexity developed over time. The wine-growing landscape forms part of the UNESCO site dedicated to the Wine-Growing Landscapes of Piedmont.