The Asti Spumante Experience

La Morandina

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Castiglione Tinella, Cuneo, Piedmont

A favourite of famous TV presenter Michael Palin, La Morandina winery, its name deriving from the hill upon which it is situated, has belonged to Giulio Morando’s family for 8 generations – that’s around 300 years! At Morandina, Giulio exclusively produces white wines, including the sweet, sparkling Muscato, which is refreshing and perfect to cool off from the summer heat, as well Chardonnay, which is extremely fruity and aromatic.
But red lovers, don’t fear! You can also enjoy a glass of the winery’s Barbaresco or Barbera wines from their vineyards in Neive and Montegrosso! All tipples can be enjoyed in the amazing surroundings of the winery’s arched, brick cellar, or in the natural surroundings of the vines that made the produce possible! Enjoy local produce as you sip, from goat’s cheese and artisanal salami, to Giulio’s home cooked sausage in aromatic rosemary sauce, whilst you listen to the clinking sound of the modern machine putting stoppers into bottles ready to be exported all around the world. Don’t forget to take a look at the old-fashioned filtration taps to get an idea of how the process used to take place before modern technology reached La Morandina. The winery is also well situated to explore the other delights of the Piedmont region, including panoramic views across never ending vineyards, nearby truffle hunting possibilities and 3 historic castles such as Castello Mango, Calasso and Castiglio da D’Asti, one of which was visited by Napolean Bonepart himself.

Giulio and his brothers present La Morandina

“Five centuries of history. Our memories go back to around 1600, a period in which the surname Morando was already present in the Castiglione Tinella area. A connection with the Earth that gave the name "Morandini Hill" to this strip of Langa where our family has always resided.
And I, Giulio, along with my brother Paolo, have looked after the land of Morandini since 1988
with a new eye: the connection with the family gave life to "La Morandina", and our work has been increasingly concentrated on the vineyard, a blessed territory rich in marl and limestone which, like in few other areas, can convey to the golden Moscato grapes aromas and flavours of great pure elegance. We wanted our Moscato to become the "reflection" of this land, a true expression
of a territory that can provide great quality. A fresh and refined wine, straightforward and without compromises. The same value has been applied to all the vineyards which have become part of
the Tenuta La Morandina over the years.
Nature, history, quality: everything returns and is renewed in the Earth.
The result is double: 80% of the energy we use comes from a renewable source and we avoid distributing a good 10 tons of carbon dioxide every year. This renewable energy formula is our way of thanking the environment, preserving it and continuing to keep alive a tradition that repeats itself each year in the vineyards.
In the cellar, the air expands the fragrances, the freshness and the structure of the different selections: those wines characteristics which are born in the grape bunch while still in the vineyard.
For the Moscato production, two are the souls that merge in our cellar. On one hand we have the traditional small wooden barrels, whose fragrance brings to mind old stories told by candlelight, which are reflected by the red of the bricks in the wall. On the other hand, we use technology to produce Moscato in modern stainless steel vats, which maintain its typical aromas and characteristics. The past and the present: we, men, are the link.”

The Wines

La Morandina produce Moscato, Barbaresco, Barbera d'Asti and Chardonnay, all varieties clearly and unmistakable locals. While drinking the Moscato, the image of the sunlight is evoked by the golden hues of the wine, an oasis of sparkling emotions: for us it's a party right away.
Giulio and his brothers have also an inclination to the Arts: some labels are inspired to the movement of Futurism, adapted to the wine making world.
A touch of color and new shapes that explain the character of the wine and a slightly particular vision of the vineyard as well as life.

Remote Tasting

Selection of Piedmont's blends kept inside the estate's former chapel, which can be enjoyed al fresco in the delightful cobbled courtyard sprinkled with comfy seating areas (this is an excellent spot for a candlelight nightcap, too). Back inside, there'

Wine 1
Wine 2
Wine 3