Casalone

Winery

One of the oldest wineries in Monferrato, Casalone started operations officially in 1734. The first bottles of wine were sold in the market in 1776. The size and location of their vineyards has remained almost unaltered since that time, and the family still controls 100% of their production. This makes them one of the top wine experts in dealing with indigenous Piedmontese grape varieties such as Cortese, Barbera, Freisa, Grignolino and international varieties such as Pinot Noir. They also grow Monemvasia, an old clone of the Greek Malvasia imported by the Venetians in the 13th century to Italy.

The soils of Monferrato vary greatly depending on the area. As Alba and the Langhe are suited to the Nebbiolo grape, Monferrato is about Barbera. Lu (the name comes from old Latin “LV”, or “55” as Legion 55, which was located there) is the highest spot in the area and boasts soils rich in limestone and white clay. Casalone owns 2 bricchi (meaning hilltop, but also interpreted as cru). The Bricco Santa Maria (Asti DOC) and the Bricco Morlantino (Monferrato DOC). They also have partial ownership of Bricco San Benedetto. Their total vineyards encompass 22 acres from which they produce about 7,000 cases.

Wines

Brachetto Dolce “Mariposa” 2009

100% Brachetto, this dessert wine features the distinctive red-rose color and aroma of wild roses, with bright, fresh flavors of strawberries, rose hips and raspberries. Made in the traditional fashion in order to be perfectly sweet and delicately effervescent, sparkling Brachetto was historically the beverage of farmers out in the field, who appreciated the wine’s low alcohol and light sugar content for the extra energy boost and great refreshment. Excellent with chocolate desserts or as a refreshing aperitif with charcuterie.

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