Perched on the highest ridge of Monferrato, where rolling vineyards meet alpine air, lies the ancient village of Albugnano—often called the “Balcony of Monferrato” for its sweeping vistas of vine-laced hills that stretch toward the Alps. Tucked within this serene and storied landscape is Casa Calcagni, a family estate that has quietly watched over these hills for nearly two centuries.

The Calcagni family has tended this land for generations, not only preserving its natural beauty but cultivating it with reverence. Today, that legacy continues with a thoughtful dedication to sustainable farming and the production of a wine that speaks authentically of its place: Montasso, a Nebbiolo-based red that reflects the soul of Albugnano.

A Place with a Past

The Calcagni estate is more than a winemaking project—it is a living piece of history. Passed down through the family for almost 200 years, the property is steeped in quiet tradition. Its stone buildings and old orchards tell stories of hands that worked the land long before sustainability became a catchword. Here, caring for the earth is not a trend; it’s a way of life.

Vines, hazelnuts, and fruit trees share the estate, all grown with a commitment to environmental balance. No herbicides. No chemical fertilizers. Every vine is hand-pruned, every grape handpicked. The approach is one of stewardship, where quality is guided by patience and respect for the rhythms of the land.

The Montasso Vineyard: A Small Jewel

Among the estate’s cultivated plots, one vineyard holds special significance: Montasso. This small, perfectly exposed parcel lies along an ancient path connecting the village of Albugnano to the nearby Vezzolano Abbey, a Romanesque masterpiece nestled in the hills.

Montasso’s exposure to the south and southwest bathes it in sunlight, while its elevation—560 meters above sea level—ensures cool nights and slow ripening. The soil here is chalky and light, a signature of the highest Monferrato hills. This terroir lends itself beautifully to Nebbiolo, the noble grape more famously associated with Barolo and Barbaresco, yet with deep historical roots in this region as well.

In Montasso, Nebbiolo finds a voice that is both refined and quietly distinctive. The result is a wine that carries the elegance of its more celebrated cousins but wears it with rustic grace—less polished, perhaps, but no less profound.

A Natural Approach to a Classic Grape

Casa Calcagni’s winemaking philosophy is guided by restraint. Nothing is added to enhance color or texture; the wine is allowed to express what it naturally is. After harvest, the grapes are selected with care and vinified in collaboration with the renowned Cantine Bava, whose expertise ensures that the wine remains true to its roots. Aging takes place in old oak barrels, which lend subtle complexity without overshadowing the fruit.

The result is Montasso, an Albugnano DOC Superiore that showcases the depth and elegance of Nebbiolo with a unique high-altitude clarity. The DOC itself is one of Piedmont’s best-kept secrets—limited in area and rooted in tradition, with documented viticulture in Albugnano going back to the 11th century. The “Superiore” designation is reserved for wines matured in oak for at least 12 months and crafted from the finest hillside parcels.

Montasso fits the profile with quiet confidence. Ruby red in the glass, with hints of orange at the rim, it greets the nose with aromas of violets, cherries, and a whisper of almond and oak. On the palate, it reveals fine tannins, gentle maturity, and a dry finish that lingers with understated elegance. It’s a wine that rewards attention—one to decant, linger over, and come back to.

Recognition Beyond Borders

In 2025, Montasso received a Silver Medal and 93 Points at the London Wine Competition, a distinction that affirms what those close to the estate have long known: this is a wine of substance and style. Judges praised its graceful nose, structural integrity, and gentle complexity—a wine that speaks softly but leaves a lasting impression.

Preserving the Past, Looking to the Future

At a time when the wine world often rushes to innovate, Casa Calcagni offers something quieter and more enduring: a deep connection to place, tradition, and nature. Every vine tended, every bottle filled is part of a continuing story—of a family, a village, and a hill that has watched centuries pass.

The future of the estate rests on the same principles that have sustained it for generations: care, humility, and a profound respect for the land. Whether you encounter Montasso in a city restaurant or sip it quietly with friends in the countryside, you’re tasting more than just Nebbiolo—you’re tasting a piece of Albugnano’s heritage, carried forward with grace.

Header image sourced from Casa Calcagni (Facebook).