Let’s head to the heart of Piedmont, where a distinguished winery is redefining the Moscato d’Asti appellation through innovative vinification techniques. Run by Alessandro Varagnolo since 2023, CADGAL combines the artistry of traditional craftsmanship with modern innovations to produce wines that reflect the distinctiveness of the Asti terroir.

I. Innovation in every bottle

1. Alessandro Boido: Redefining the ageing process of Moscato d’Asti

The story of CADGAL began in 1990 when Alessandro Boido took over his family’s vineyard, inheriting four generations of traditional winemaking expertise. His journey into winemaking began during a banquet he attended with his father and several Moscato d’Asti winemakers. There, he tasted the region’s wines and envisioned a future where he would redefine it. So, as soon as he took over the vineyard, he announced his ambition to rewrite the rules of Moscato d’Asti. His goal was to give the region a new identity, producing bottles that could compete with the finest white wines in the world, particularly Sauternes.

Alessandro Boido first experimented ageing bottles in the cellar in 1997. While up until then Moscato d’Asti wines were designed to be drunk young, Alessandro proved their incredible ageing potential. This milestone marked a major turning point in the region. In the early 2000s, Alessandro developed the tourism side of the estate, further solidifying his innovative approach.

2. Alessandro Varagnolo: Shaping the future of the vineyard

About a year ago, another Alessandro – Alessandro Varagnolo – acquired the estate. His journey is deeply rooted in passion and tradition, inspired by his grandfather, who nurtured his love for the Langhe and Monferrato appellations as they shared fine glasses of wine together. He first honed his skills in event management, forging ties with renowned restaurateurs and winemakers. He later became a sommelier and a Langhe Wine Ambassador through courses at the Barolo & Barbaresco Academy run by the Langhe Wine School. In 2023, he fulfilled his dream by establishing a wine and hospitality business with his family.

II. A vineyard heritage shaped by an alpine climate

1. Moscato d’Asti and Monferrato

CADGAL is an estate formed by two parts.
First, there is Tenuta Valdivilla, located in the Moscato d’Asti region. This constitutes the historic heart of the estate, with old cellars and the former production space. Spanning six hectares, it is the largest section of land owned by the estate. You should consider a visit of the grounds, where a three-star hotel, the Wine Country House, awaits you!
Then, there is Tenuta La Cova, situated in the Monferrato region. Perched on the hill of Calamandrana, the vines cover four hectares, surrounded by forests. Here, a 17th-century building houses the new production site and a B&B.

2. The Alps create a unique microclimate.

In terms of geography, the vines are planted in the Piedmont region between Genoa and Turin. Situated around 20 kilometres from Alba and 30 kilometres from Asti, they thrive on calcareous marls, rich in sand and limestone, often referred to as ‘white soils’. These light, well-draining soils play a crucial role in producing high-quality grapes and make the reputation of the region. The sand contributes finesse and a vibrant aromatic freshness, while the limestone imparts structure and character to the final product. The continental climate here is characterised by hot summers and cold winters. Alessandro Varagnolo even talks about a microclimate due to the Alps creating sharp temperature fluctuations.

3. Carefully nurtured 70-year-old vines

On average, the vines at CADGAL are over 70 years old. Over the decades, these vines have laid deep root systems that enjoy essential minerals and nutrients from far below the surface that are necessary for their development. Alessandro Varagnolo prunes his vines using the Guyot method and limits yields. The vine density across the 10 hectares of the vineyard is relatively low, ranging from 4,000 to 6,000 plants per hectare. All these characteristics are key elements to the estate’s signature wines. Moreover, the villages surrounding the properties owned by Alessandro Varagnolo, Valdivilla and Calamandrana, have been part of the UNESCO World Heritage since 2014, a recognition that highlights the cultural value of the region.

III. Restorative agriculture

1. Sustainable farming with agroforestry projects

Alessandro Varagnolo set himself several environmental objectives when he acquired the estate. The primary objective is to restore soil health, biodiversity, and ecosystems. To achieve this, he embarked on an agroforestry project involving planting trees and hedges around his vines. Additionally, the winemaker tends to his soils with great respect and strictly avoids the use of herbicides and insecticides. As a result, Alessandro obtained the Italian SQNPI label (Sistema di Qualità Nazionale Produzione Integrata), a step that precedes the organic farming label.

2. Wine with a purpose

The Barbera Fabé wine is a product of CADGAL’s social responsibility efforts toward those in need. A portion of the proceeds from each bottle sold goes toward the construction and operation of the Fabio Costantino Medical Centre in Glei, Republic of Togo in West Africa.

IV. A unique ageing technique involving… sand

As we mentioned already, CADGAL is a pioneer! Most of its wines are vinified in temperature-controlled stainless-steel vats, although several undergo unique vinification methods.

• The perfect illustration of these innovative techniques is the Moscato d’Asti Vigna Vecchia, which rests for nearly 60 months in crates filled with sand, where it benefits from optimal conditions of darkness, humidity, and isolation. A unique ageing process adds complexity, refinement, and longevity to the wine.
• Another example is Canelli DOCG Sant’Ilario, which undergoes carbonic maceration, a vinification technique initiated by carbon dioxide. This method is widely practised in the Beaujolais region and in some regions in Spain.
• The Asti Spumante DOCG, which reveals delicate bubbles, is produced using the Charmat method. Created in 1895 by the Italian Federico Martinotti and patented by Jean Eugène Charmat in 1907, this method involves a second fermentation in a sealed vat under high pressure at a temperature of 20 °C. Yeast and a fermentation liqueur are added, which are followed by 15 to 20 days ageing. The result is a lightly carbonated wine.

In conclusion, CADGAL is a rising star in the galaxy of Italian wines. With its numerous innovations, it stands out as an estate of great character. A must-try for any wine lover.

V. All wines from the estate for sale

• Moscato d’Asti DOCG Lumine: The bright straw-yellow colour unveils a delightful bouquet of acacia and aromatic herbs mingling with peach and apricot, while the soft, seductive palate offers plenty of freshness.
• Moscato d’Asti DOCG Sant’Ilario: A full, elegant nose reveals aromas of yellow peach and apricot combining with scents of acacia. A seductive sparkling wine with a complex palate.
• Moscato d’Asti DOCG Vite Vecchia: The golden colour is complemented by intense notes of acacia honey, sage and mint, with subtle hints of citrus fruit. The fresh, persistent palate delicately leads to a delicious persistent finish. IT charms you from the very first drop.