Cascina Barisél / Franco Penna
With just 5 hectares, Franco Penna's winery is small but exquisite. The estate near Canelli, east of Alba, comprises only the very best south-facing sites with calcareous soils. Franco's father Enrico, who bought the estate in the 1960s, obviously knew what he was doing.
Practically half of the vineyard is planted with Moscato bianco. One hectare is dedicated to Barbera, from which La Cappelletta is made, and the remaining land planted with Dolcetto and Favorita. In recent years, Franco Penna, like so many other winemakers, has adapted his winegrowing and increasingly relies on organic methods. The vineyards around Canelli are among the most valuable in Piedmont, especially because of the fragrant, finely sparkling Moscato d'Asti. Franco Penna is committed to keeping these soils alive through the appropriate cultivation.
Red wines from Cascina Barisél / Franco Penna
Sweet wines from Cascina Barisél / Franco Penna
from Cascina Barisél / Franco Penna
La Cappelletta is vinified only in the very best years. The vines were planted in 1955. The yields are low, with about 500 grams per vine. The wine is aged for 12 to 16 months in barriques and spends at least one more year in the bottle before being released for sale. A classic Barbera of considerable stature.
Producer
Luddite Wines / Fam. Verburg & Meyer
Niels Verburg is one of those people who you immediately want to befriend. With his imposing stature and beaming smile, he stands out and magically draws people in.
Château Mongiron
Set in the heart of the sea of vines between the Garonne and Dordogne rivers – in the so-called Entre-deux-Mers – lies Château Mongiron in the small town of Nérigean.
Maria Casanovas
The Bodega or Cava Maria Casanovas is located in the heart of the Penedès, in Sant Sadurní d'Anoia, the centre of Cava production. It is owned by the Casanovas family and managed by three children of Maria Casanovas. Jordi and Jacint are responsible for the vineyards and the cellar, Rosa for administration and marketing.