Montalbera

BACKGROUND 

For generations, the Morando family has believed and invested in Piedmontese viticulture. For years, they have passionately dedicated themselves to the development of the native variety Ruchè. Through their continued commitment, Montalbera arises as one of the great wineries of Piedmont. The foundations of their success lies in solid, recognizable values that translate very clearly in the wines they produce.

In the mid-1980s, the Morando family began expanding their property by purchasing land in adjacent territories and planting it with new grapevines, prevalently Ruchè; they continue to grow their landholdings. Today, a continuous stretch of vineyard-covered land encircles the winery. The vineyards are planted entirely on hillsides, giving the vines different expositions and soil, from clay to limestone. A unique aspect that has always distinguished Montalbera in the Piedmontese winemaking landscape is that the winery sits astride two of the region’s most important winemaking zones: the Monferrato and the Langhe.

The Morando family’s origins are from the Langhe, and this connection inevitably found its way into their vineyards and wines. Castiglione Tinella, hometown of the winery’s founder Enrico Riccardo Morando, has about 10 hectares of the winery’s vineyards.

The Terroir

The vineyards cover 175 hectares of vinegyards between Monferrato and Lange, which dip down into a valley cultivated with the traditional Piedmontese hazelnut. The vines vary in age from 7 to 30 years, and are trained in low Guyot trellises. All agricultural work is done by hand.

Roughly 82 hectares are planted with Ruchè, which comprises 60% of the entire production of this appellation. Other planted varieties are Barbera d’Asti, Grignolino d'Asti, Monferrato Nebbiolo and Viognier.

THE CELLAR  

History and experience have given birth to a unique style known all over the world and to the BRC certification. Utilizing consistent respect for the environment and strong eco-sustainability policies they carefully select yeasts used within the vineyard. Next fermentation must begin in steel tanks of the latest generation. The wine is then refined in barrels, tonneaux and large French oak barrels.

THE WINE

Fuori Catologo Piemonte Rosso DOC

Tradizione Ruchè di Castagnole Monferrato DOCG

Laccento Ruchè di Castagnole Monferrato DOCG

nuda Barbera d’Asti DOCG Superiore

Rigor and planning. Interpretation and terroir. These are the basis for Montalbera’s productive philosophy. They are ideals that put the fruit of the wine at the center of everything, and in doing so exalt the uniqueness of the vineyards. Each wine is interpreted in different ways, from stainless steel to wood, from overripe to withering, in order to best develop the multifaceted personality of each variety.

Legend