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“Tenute dei Vallarino” is an agricultural company founded in 2002 by the fifth generation of the descendants of Carlo Gancia, founder of “Fratelli Gancia” (1850) and a historical pioneer of Italian sparkling wine; he was born in Narzole with strong ties with the world of Monferrato and Langhe winemaking.
The Vallarino-Gancia family wanted to retain and preserve the very historical link with their own territory not only with the production of sparkling wines but also with a range of products with a strong personality.

Their main objective has always been to directly control all the company’s estates, ensuring the very best exposure to the vineyards, while enhancing the native vines; by doing so, the true bond with the land is constantly consolidated, giving a new life to already great and highly-appreciated wines.

The company has recently taken part in a project for the enhancement of the Albarossa vine, obtained from crossbreeding Barbera and Nebbiolo. After extensive investigations, the company has now become a renowned and highly-praised reality after purchasing Tenuta Bricco Asinari in the municipality of San Marzano Oliveto: about 35 acres of white marlstone, facing south-west in the Asinari Valley (province of Asti) between 656 and 820 ft of altitude.

Tenute dei Vallarino includes two perfectly-blended estates: Bricco Asinari, in San Marzano Oliveto, and Ragazzi in Casorzo (province of Asti). The first estate, with a 35-acre vineyard, is well exposed to the south-west and set at altitudes between 656 and 820 ft; the second estate covers more than 64 acres, historically cultivated with Barbera, but also perfectly suited for Merlot, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon grapes

Barbera grape, probably coming from Monferrato, is thought to have spontaneously sprung from some seed of older local vines which, as it often happens, have always been appreciated by the winemakers of the area. This vine grows over a vast hilly area of the tertiary era, formed a million years ago by marine residues. This soil is free of rock formations, predominantly calcareous-clayey, with the presence of sand and regulated by a temperate climate: it, therefore, offers the ideal environment for the vines.

This post is also available in: Italiano (Italian)