Denominazione di Origine Controllata
Monferrato is a historic winegrowing region of Piedmont, its terrain almost exclusively hilly. The production area lies mainly across the provinces of Alessandria and Asti, stretching south from the right bank of the Po river to the foothills of the Ligurian Apennines, bordering the provinces of Genoa and Savona. Only well-exposed hillside sites are used for the vines; low-lying, humid or insufficiently sunny land is excluded. The soils, calcareous and alkaline, rather poor in nutrients, shape the aromatic profile of the wines. The appellation allows a wide range of non-aromatic native and international grape varieties suited to Piedmont: barbera and nebbiolo dominate red blends, alongside cabernet sauvignon, merlot or pinot noir, while cortese and favorita make up the whites, joined by chardonnay or sauvignon. This freedom to blend local and international varieties sets Monferrato apart from neighbouring, more strictly single-variety appellations. A subzone, Casalese, in the province of Alessandria, is reserved for cortese.
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Monferrato comes in six styles, distinguished by grape composition. The rosso, red in colour, shows a vinous, pleasant nose and a fresh, dry palate, sometimes lively. The bianco, straw yellow, offers a characteristic, intense nose and a fresh, dry palate. Chiaretto, or Ciaret, pale ruby to rose, stands out for its delicate nose and dry, harmonious palate. Dolcetto, ruby red, combines a pleasant bitter edge with a fairly full body. Freisa, ruby red sometimes turning garnet, shows a dry, off-dry palate, slightly bitter, sometimes lively. Casalese, made from cortese, gives a pale straw colour with greenish hues, a discreet but persistent nose, and a dry, savoury, slightly bitter palate. These are everyday wines, best enjoyed young for their aromatic freshness. The reds pair with charcuterie, sauced pasta and white meats; the whites and Chiaretto suit antipasti, fish and summer dishes.
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