VINCHIO VAGLIO, Italy

It is situated in the foothills of the Alps amidst the breathtaking landscape bounded by the Po and Tanaro rivers, with Asti’s famed Monviso Mountain as a backdrop. The rolling Monferrato Hills epitomise Piemonte, where the endless rows of vines are punctuated by the odd coppice of hazelnut trees, while the town of Asti itself has a rich cultural and architectural heritage. Today, the Vinchio Vaglio co-operative comprises 192 families of growers. Their 470ha of Barbera account for around 70% of production, with the remainder coming from other native varieties such as Nebbiolo, Dolcetto, Ruché, Albarossa, Grignolino, Arneis, Cortese, Moscato and Brachetto, along with the international varietals Pinot Nero (Noir), Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay.

Viticulture

Growers cultivate the vineyards with respect for nature using sustainable techniques that ensure a perfect balance between tradition and new technologies. The soils of Vinchio Serra are generally loess, which are rich in sand with a small amount of clay; the grey/brown colour signifies the presence of calcium. This produces wines with great freshness, and an easy, fruity style. In Vaglio Serra, on the other hand, the soils have a more substantial quantity of clay, with a red/brown colour producing wines with greater structure and longevity.

Winemaking

Winemaking takes place in their modern facility, with temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, solar panels and high-tech bottling line, adhering to the highest quality certifications for their DOC and DOCG wines. Sustainability is one of the co-op's primary objectives, certified through the Equalitas programme (Italian Ministry of Agriculture), with the use of wastewater recycling, renewable energy throughout the winery and reductions in the use of harmful substances on the environment, but also with broader economic and social level criteria, based on the premise of creating value and service not just for present, but also future generations