Castello di Uviglie Hosteria Monferrato Rosso DOC 2022

Castello di Uviglie is a historic winery located in Rosignano Monferrato, in the province of Alessandria, Piedmont. The estate boasts over five centuries of winemaking tradition, with the first vines planted within the castle properties in 1491. The magnificent castle itself dates back to the 13th century and serves as an elegant location for events, ceremonies, and wine tourism activities in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Monferrato.

Since 2020, the Bonzano family has owned and operated the estate, bringing together traditional viticultural practices with modern winemaking technologies. The family works in partnership with internationally renowned oenologist Donato Lanati, combining extensive experience with innovative approaches. The estate spans 120 hectares total, with 25 hectares dedicated to vineyards, producing approximately 100,000 bottles annually. The operation maintains dual sustainability certifications through SQNPI and Equalitas programs.

The winery specializes in indigenous Monferrato varieties including Barbera, Grignolino, and Albarossa, while also cultivating international varieties such as Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc. The estate is particularly noted for its unique aging facilities in ancient underground quarries called "Cave in Pietra da Cantoni," which have been excavated since the 8th century AD from 18-million-year-old seabed formations. These natural cellars maintain constant temperatures year-round for optimal wine aging.

Castello di Uviglie produces distinctive wines including the flagship "Hosteria" Monferrato Rosso, a blend of Pinot Noir and Barbera named after traditional Italian inns. The "Le Cave" line features sparkling wines made using the Metodo Classico and aged in the historic stone quarries. The estate offers guided tours, wine tastings, and accommodations, showcasing both the architectural beauty of the medieval castle and the traditional winemaking heritage of this prestigious Piedmontese terroir.

Monferrato is a vast wine region located in the heart of Piedmont, between the cities of Asti and Alessandria in northwestern Italy. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014 alongside Langhe and Roero, the region encompasses 300,000 hectares of picturesque rolling hills and vineyards. The Tanaro River divides Monferrato into three distinct areas: Lower Monferrato (Basso Monferrato), Astigiano around Asti, and Upper Monferrato (Alto Monferrato), each offering unique terroir characteristics and microclimates.

The region's winemaking history spans over a millennium, with Roman author Strabo documenting wine production south of Via Emilia. Medieval monks, particularly from the Abbey of Vezzolano in the 8th century, significantly advanced viticulture throughout Monferrato. The area's diverse geology features limestone-sandy soils and calcareous-marly formations that provide ideal growing conditions for both indigenous and international grape varieties.

Monferrato's regulations permit extensive grape variety cultivation compared to other Italian wine regions. Indigenous varieties include Barbera, Grignolino, Ruché, Malvasia, Freisa, Albarossa, Cortese, Brachetto, and Dolcetto, with Nebbiolo representing only 6% of plantings. International varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc are also permitted. The region produces red, white, and rosé wines under Monferrato DOC classification, with notable appellations including Barbera del Monferrato Superiore DOCG.

Famous wines include Asti Spumante, Moscato d'Asti, and various Barbera expressions. The region's wine-making diversity reflects its terroir complexity, producing styles ranging from light and fruity to rich and structured expressions that showcase Monferrato's unique position as one of Piedmont's most versatile wine regions.