Cascina Gilli has always believed in the strong identity of Freisa as a noble grape from which obtaining great wines. This was confirmed with the University researches published in 2002, when grapes of some different “cru” of the Castelnuovo Don Bosco area were analyzed under the polyphenolic profile to accurately evaluate their oenological potential. Results obtained underlined the amazing richness of these grapes, the need for an accurate vinification and maturation process to obtain wine of great structure and age-worthy characteristics.

Barbera is a grape widely cultivated throughout Piemonte region and which finds one of its greatest expressions in the province of Asti. In the area of ​​Castelnuovo, it was cultivated marginally as the rainfall until the 90s was excessive for this thin-skinned grape. The reduction in rainfall over the past few decades has allowed the hills of Castelnuovo to become an exceptional territory for this type of vine.

The evolution of winemaking techniques, the work in the vineyards and researches have driven Cascina Gilli’s Barbera d’Asti to collecte the international interest thanks to a very distinctive character appreciated for its fruity, velvety texture , great freshness connected to the soil features, medium body and delicate tannins.

Malvasia di Schierano, carries the distinctive signs of this wine district as well as being synonymous with the most authentic discovery of a local grape. The varietal selection of this type, with its unique and delicate aromatic character, distinguish from the more common one called Malvasia Nera Lunga, more intense and for this reason used for the production of the Malvasia di Castelnuovo Don Bosco. Over the years, an important collaboration project has been carried out with the Faculty of Agriculture of the University of Turin for the identification of the rare and authentic clones of the historic Malvasia di Schierano variety.

Bonarda grape, cultivated on these hills since the 19 century, had gradually become unpopular and lackly produced due to its high sensitivity to climatic and phytopathological issues. But in the memories of local producers it remained a loved wine, particularly long-lasting and rich in perfumes. That’s why we decided to invest in this native Piedmontese grape with we are a little in love, spread before the phylloxera and now on the danger of extinction; with the aim to promote it and preserve it in its authenticity.

Its beautiful berries are small, oval and very pruinose, with almost black blue colors. This variety origins a delicate wine with a wide bouquet of perfumes that satisfies the palate by wrapping it delicately. A not too high alcoholic degree and a moderate acidity allow to appreciate all the harmony of the fruit.

A few years ago the company decided to embrace a local appellation and be the interpreter of another grape variety that helps to create identity in our territory. The Albugnano DOC based on Nebbiolo grapes. In fact, not many know that among the many expressions of the oenological versatility of Monferrato, there is also the historical connection to the production of Nebbiolo, grown in this small area adjacent to the province of Turin. The denomination was born in 1997 and the disciplinary limits the production area in the Asti municipalities of Albugnano, Pino d’Asti, Castelnuovo don Bosco and Passerano Marmorito.

We are in front of a different expression of Nebbiolo. The altitude that these vineyards can reach is very particular, about 500 m above sea level, set on the highest side of Monferrato. A Nebbiolo that stands out from the more persuasive one of the Langa and from the typical austerity of the north, is perhaps a balance.