A farm with 13 hectares of vineyards and a resort with 10 rooms for wine tourism hospitality are the two new realities being inaugurate amongst the vineyards of a Unesco heritage site with Cantina Emanuele Gambino and Monvì Wine Relais.
A choice to return to the land that turns into a dream come true: that of Emanuele Gambino, 41, a winemaker in Costigliole d’Asti, as were his grandparents, who recently inaugurated a new winery where he makes wine from his grapes and a wine relais among the vineyards for wine tourism hospitality.
It was precisely in Costigliole d’Asti, between the Langhe and Monferrato, hills recognized by UNESCO in 2014 as a World Heritage Site, that Emanuele was born, in territories and places where he has deep roots and of which he loves landscapes, people and traditions.
“I personally produce and vinify my grapes with passion and love,” says the entrepreneur, “with a keen eye for quality, sustainability, and the authenticity of my products. Thanks to my winemaking grandparents, since my childhood I have experienced the atmosphere of rural life, maturing a passion for the land and for simple things. These elements then led me in adulthood, after a radical change in working life, to follow their example.”
A choice matured in 2011, the year in which Emanuele, after a degree in law, took up the activity of winemaker and later, in 2016 when he began the dream of building his farm in Costigliole d’Asti where he would produce and make wine from his grapes. A dream realized today.
Emanuele Gambino Winery: the butterfly, organic farming and respect for the earth
A butterfly flying on a vine with deep roots: this is the symbolic image chosen to convey the winery’s philosophy. It stands for the care that goes into creating a product of the highest quality, genuine and sincere, with respect for the consumer and the environment.
“From the very first steps I took as a winemaker, I decided to convert my winery to organic farming,” Gambino explains, “This is not a choice linked to profitability, but exclusively a choice of respect for the environment, for the land and for the people who live my reality and consume my products.
The vineyards are worked according to the dictates of organic farming without the use of synthetic products and herbicides, promoting biodiversity and natural balance. This philosophy and regime was then implemented accordingly in the winery and in the production of the wines as well.
Emanuele Gambino Winery: the vineyards and viticulture on the Unesco hillsides
The vineyards of the Emanuele Gambino farm are located between the Langhe and Monferrato, Unesco World Heritage territories, in one of the most vocated areas for wine production. Costigliole d’Asti is one of the homelands of Barbera d’Asti, while Santo Stefano Belbo has always been the home of Moscato d’Asti.
There are about 13 hectares between the two estates of Costigliole d’Asti and Santo Stefano Belbo, where native varieties – Barbera, Nebbiolo, Grignolino, Moscato – and international varieties – sauvignon, merlot, chardonnay – are grown. From a historic vineyard over 40 years old, a Nizza docg will be born from the 2024 vintage.
Emanuele Gambino Winery: Piansrej Estate in Santo Stefano Belbo
“An Piansrej” is the place name for the Gambino family’s estate, which produces Moscato and Nebbiolo grapes. The farmstead is situated in the beautiful amphitheater of Cesare Pavese’s Langhe hills. We are located under the historic medieval tower of Santo Stefano Belbo and facing the hill of Moncucco, made famous by Pavese’s poem, “The South Seas.”
Purchased by the family in 2010, it underwent a profound renovation in 2012, through replanting the vineyards, preferring the white moscato di Canelli variety. It was later converted to organic farming, obtaining the relevant certification in the year 2019. Here Emanuele produces the moscato grapes that since 2020 have also been used to make Mò Frem® dry Moscato.
Emanuele Gambino Winery: Tenuta San Martino in Costigliole d’Asti
San Martino is the name of the hamlet in the municipality of Costigliole d’Asti where the winery is located. The old farmhouse that houses the winery, and the vineyards, are positioned on a ridge that on one side overlooks the Tanaro valley with its beautiful castles, and at the same time turns out to be set in an amphitheater of rare beauty, dotted with small churches and bell towers among the vineyards and rolling hills of the lower Monferrato area of Asti. “It is not rare to enjoy a beautiful sunset over the Alps, a breathtaking sight,” Emanuele points out.
Purchased in 2016, the estate underwent a deep renovation through partial replanting of the vineyards. It now has about 8 hectares of vineyards with native varieties such as Barbera, Nebbiolo and Grignolino, and with international varieties such as merlot, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay. We are 270 meters above sea level and the soils are mostly composed of clay and limestone.
The vineyards are currently in conversion: organic certification will come with the 2024 harvest.
Emanuele Gambino Winery: from oak barrels to terracotta amphorae
The winery was built in the recently renovated old farmhouse in Costigliole d’Asti and can rely on state-of-the-art equipment.
Assisted by winemaker Claudio Dacasto and agronomist Roberto Abate, Emanuele makes small, niche productionswith attention to tradition and ties to his terroir, with a high attention to detail.
Winemaking takes place in steel tanks. Aging takes place in oak barrels and tonneaux and in terracotta amphorae.
Monvì Wine Relais: a luxury and wellness experience
Monvì Wine Relais is the other soul of the Costigliole d’Asti farm. Born from the experience developed in other Monferrato facilities, Monvì embodies the art of hospitality in its DNA. A charming dwelling with eight rooms and two apartments with elegant, refined and spacious rooms with attention to every detail. Completing the offer is a panoramic swimming pool surrounded by the green Monferrato hills and wrapped in vineyards, and a wellness area with whirlpool, Turkish bath, sauna and emotional shower.