Welcome to the valley of donkeys and dynamite Barbera. Cascina Valle Asinari, tucked into the rolling hills of San Marzano Oliveto in Monferrato, is where Barbera goes to flex its full potential. The estate dates back centuries, likely once farmed by the historic Asinari family (asinari = donkey wranglers!), but its modern rebirth came in 2016 when the Borgogno team recognized its magic.
Barbera thrives here thanks to sandy-clay-limestone soils and sun-kissed slopes — especially when farmed organically and soon-to-be biodynamically. The estate’s roughly 20 hectares are worked with minimal intervention, and winemaking is equally hands-off: only spontaneous fermentations, no lab yeast, and a mix of large-format Slavonian oak and lightly toasted French barrels for aging.
This approach produces some of the most expressive Barbera d’Asti, Barbera d’Asti Superiore, and Nizza DOCG around — wines that speak fluently in terroir and vintage. And they don’t stop there: a fresh, fizzy Moscato d’Asti and international blends round out the portfolio.
Wrapped in playful, pop-art labels, Cascina Valle Asinari’s wines aren’t just delicious — they’re meant to start conversations at the table. Because here, wine isn’t just serious… it’s seriously shareable.
Did you know?
Cascina Valle Asinari lies in a prized Nizza zone where the soils mirror La Morra in Barolo. These vineyard plots have long been considered Barbera royalty, but now, thanks to DOCG status, wines can be officially labeled “Nizza” — a major upgrade and recognition for Piedmont’s most food-loving grape.
