Most of the vines on the Cascinone estate lie in a splendid east to west position, where they enjoy plenty of sunlight throughout the day. These vineyards benefit from ideal climate conditions for red berry varietals such as Barbera, Dolcetto, Merlot and Cabernet. The slopes receiving less sun, those exposed to the north west, have fresher climatic conditions and are perfect for aromatic grape varietals such as Brachetto and Moscato, as well as Sauvignon, Pinot Nero and Riesling.
The main characteristics of the plots planted to vine at the Cascinone are the pronounced differences in altitude and the steepness of its slopes, demanding painstaking maintenance work on the vines which has to be carried out manually: altitudes start from a level of around 200 metres and reach a peak of 450 metres a.s.l.
The geological profile of the paleosol on the Cascinone estate is characterized by alternate layers of sandstone, alluvial gravel, clayey-calcareous silt and calcareous marl, whilst the micro-climate constitutes a meeting point between currents originating from the sea which come up through the Erro and Bormida valleys and fresh breezes descending from the Alps, with a very significant day-night temperature swing. These distinctive climate soil characteristics add up to a terroir that is quite unique. The warmer areas produce a Barbera d’Asti rich in anthocyanins and polyphenols of greater intensity and colour tones, a low level of acidity and intense earthy fragrances. Extremely elegant and complex wines that lend themselves to ageing and longevity. The breezier parts of the terroir, on the other hand, planted with Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Pinot Nero, Riesling, Moscato and Brachetto, regale fragrant, fresh and fruity wines.
Wines from the Cascinone estate, whose grapes are harvested and fermented in the cellars of the estate, have obtained SQNPI certification – the acronym stands for Sistema di Qualità Nazionale di Produzione Integrata (meaning National Quality System of Integrated Production). The bee symbol appearing on the label guarantees that each phase of wine production has complied with the strict standards of integrated production, making it sustainable and eco-compatible, as certified by a third party independent entity.
