In the rolling Monferrato hills of Piedmont, Guido Zampaglione farms Cascina Grillo with the same patient, hands-off conviction he is known for, letting native grapes and time do the work.
Backstory
Cascina Grillo is the Piedmontese project of Guido Zampaglione, a grower-winemaker associated with long-aged, uncompromising natural wines. The estate lies in the Monferrato, between the Tanaro and Bormida rivers in northern Italy.
The Region
Monferrato is one of Piedmont's historic winegrowing territories, a patchwork of hills well suited to both white Cortese and a range of red varieties. The setting gives the wines both freshness and structure.
Vineyards & Farming
The property covers roughly 32 hectares, with about 17 hectares under vine. The estate is certified organic (Suolo e Salute). Plantings include Cortese, Barbera, Freisa, Dolcetto and Sauvignon, a mix of indigenous Piedmontese grapes and a few international varieties.
Winemaking
Production rests on low yields and careful grape selection. The style is low-intervention and unhurried, with an emphasis on letting the wines develop on their own timeline before release.
The Wines
The range centers on Cortese-based whites and Barbera and Freisa reds, made in a natural idiom that rewards patience and reflects the Monferrato terroir.
