Territory - Cascina San Michele

DISCOVERING THE SURROUNDING AREA

TASTING ITINERARY FOR THE BODY AND THE MIND

SPECIAL PLACES

MONFERRATO, LANGHE AND ROERO

A UNESCO heritage area due to the importance of its wine and food culture, there a few places comparable in Italy. The striking beauty of the landscape, a succession of small towns, medieval villages and farmsteads dotted across a sea of greenery wait to embrace you, capture you and not let you go.

By car, by bicycle or simply on foot, you can discover unique landscapes.

Costigliole, a tranquil town set in the Asti hills with its majestic castle and vineyards of the genuine and sincere Barbera grape, is the ideal starting point for excursions and activities.

Asti was the richest and most powerful of the Free Councils of medieval Piedmont. The medieval town centre has been completely conserved, while Asti Cathedral is Piedmont’s most important gothic monument. In the centre of town there are numerous offices and cafés and the bi-weekly market takes place on Wednesdays and Saturdays. The third Sunday in September is the date for the Palio, the famous bareback horse race that has been held since 1275.

The Douja d’Or Wine Fair in the autumn is the most important event of its kind in all of Piedmont.

Depart from Asti and head towards Moncalvo, an area of historical significance famous for its town fair, which is held in December. Not too far away and well worth a visit, is the Sanctuario di Crea, from where it is possible to see the vast paddy fields of the province of Vercelli, the famous “sea of squares”. Return passing through Vignale and the imposing Palazzo Callori, location of the Monferrato wine cellar and Castagnole Monferrato with its proud tradition of producing its Ruche’ wine. Sit at a table of one of the small trattoria and enjoy a plate of the traditional mule agnolotti or browse the small shops selling some of the gastronomic products that have made this part of Piedmont famous.

Not far from Costigliole, we can find the town of Nizza, home of the cardo gobo, an edible thistle that is one of the main ingredients in the delicacy, Bagna Cauda, the “devil’s broth” made of vegetables at the end of the summer and the autumn, a traditional dish in this generous land of the powerful Barbera grape. On the third Sunday of each month a charming antiques market is held in the central square.

From Canelli, with its imposing Gancia castle overlooking the Belbo valley, you can visit the “underground cathedrals” of wine dug into the tuff rock of the hillsides and discover a particularly magical scenario. This area is the heart of Asti Spumante and Moscato production. Not far from here is Santo Stefano Belbo, the area in which Cesare Pavese was born. Follow the snaking road up towards Valdivilla or head through Camo and Mango where the castle offers views of far around. If you stop the car and listen, you can enjoy the silence of this peaceful place. Reach Loazzolo, where the cultivation of the vines is extremely challenging and where only man’s tenacity has made possible the production of a Moscato Passito worthy of Bacchus himself! Then descend towards the Bormida Monastery with its beautiful castle and then climb to Roccaverano where the landscape changes from vines and hazelnut trees to pastures that play their part in the production of the perfumed Robiola di Capra goat’s cheese.

SPECIAL PLACES

ALBA

The most important town in our territory, this is a must stop on any itinerary. The town was originally founded by the Romans, the Cento Torri (Hundred Towers) of the medieval period, today the historic centre is full of shops and botteghe that offer some of the wine and food products that have made the area famous. The town’s famous market, as described by Pavese and Fenoglio, is held on Saturdays and is a draw for many tourists. The festival of the white truffle is held in the autumn, during the festival the scent of that precious tuber emanates from every café and shop.

WINE AND FOOD TASTING ROUTES

AMONG THE VINES OF BAROLO

From Alba depart for a trip through villages that together have made the Langa famous around the world. Passing through Roddi and Verduno, where Pelaverga is produced, then climb towards La Morra with its beauty spot overlooking the vineyards, then drive down to Barolo a village famous for its castle and its many wine producers. Return towards Novello and enjoy the views over the Cuneo plain not far from Monforte with its medieval centre, its cobbled lanes that climb to the summit of the hill. The route continues descending to Serraunga, Castiglione Falletto and Sinio, then Grinzane Cavour with its beautiful castle and also the regional wine cellar. Not far from here and spread along a hill is Diano D’Alba, the original home of Dolcetto.

Many restaurants, trattorias and even modern wine bars offer local dishes and tastings of its famous wines. Worth trying are the battura of Fassone beef, vitello tonnato, filled ravioli or homemade taglolini, while you can almost always find the Bagna Cauda, a truly unique dish. Then there are stews like rabbit stew and slow-cooked dishes and no shortage of deserts, many of which include hazelnuts. Of particular note is the Piedmont bunet or semi-frozen deserts with torrone, a mixed nut nougat. For spirits there are tastings of grappa and Barolo Chinato. It truly is a territory to savour, in every sense.

SPECIAL PLACES

ROERO

Leaving Alba and heading towards the hills on the left bank of the Tanaro river, there are many villages and castles. We are in the territory of Roero, Alba’s twin in the Langhe.

Guarene. Govone and Magliano Alfieri can be seen from the foot of the valley but perhaps the best way to enjoy this area is to meander along the roads that lead towards Cornegliano or Monticello and visit Vezza and S.Vittoria d’alba.