Crivelli
In the hills northeast of Asti, in the community of Castagnole Monferrato, lies the Crivelli family vineyards and winery. They have been hand harvesting and meticulously making wine for over three generations and produce an excellent Barbera and Ruche. Of the Ruche, although it remains somewhat of a mystery, it is believed that this varietal name comes from "roche" (meaning rocks) considering that this vine can be planted in calcerous and clay soil and tolerates dry weather without any loss of the quality of the fruit. The historical origin is also suggested from the Benedictive monastery "The Monastery of the Rocche" situated close to Castagnole Monferrato, where the monks were responsible to safeguard the culture and artistic heritage of the Roman era and may well have saved the vine, which was later named after the monastery.
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Crivelli Barbera and Ruche

Barbera di Asti, Collina La Mora
This beautiful wine is made from 100% hand harvested Barbera grapes from vines that were planted over 80 years ago in the vineyard Collina La Mora. The harvest takes place between the 28th of September and the 5th of October. The grapes are left on the skins for 6 to 7 days at which time they are transferred into vats where the must remains in contact with the skins for an additional 4 to 5 days to obtain the maximum color and maintain the structure of the wine. The wine is then transferred into French Allier oak barrels and decanted every month from November until August, prior to the bottling in September. The malolactic fermentation finishes naturally between May and June. After several months of aging in the barrel, sometime in September, the wine is gently bottled so as to keep the wine stabilized and left to rest further in the bottle. The result is an exquisite round, full and complex wine. It has a beautiful ruby red color with an aroma of herbs and dried flowers. Compliments antipasti, chicken, cheeses and red meats. Serve at room temperature.

Barbera d'Asti, La Pinina DOC
Made from 100% hand harvested Barbera grapes from vines that were planted over 80 years ago in the vineyard Collina La Mora. The harvest takes place between the 28th of September and the 5th of October. The grapes are left on the skins for 6 to 7 days at which time they are transferred into vats where the must remains in contact with the skins for an additional 4 to 5 days to obtain the maximum color and maintain the structure of the wine. The wine is then transferred into French Allier oak barrels and decanted every month from November until August, prior to the bottling in September. The malolactic fermentation finishes naturally between May and June. After several months of aging in the barrel, sometime in September, the wine is gently bottled so as to keep the wine stabilized and left to rest further in the bottle. The result is an exquisite round, full and complex wine. It has a beautiful ruby red color with an aroma of herbs and dried flowers. Compliments antipasti, chicken, cheeses and red meats. Serve at room temperature.


Ruche di Castagnole Monferrato DOC
This wine was traditionally kept for special occasions because it often had a hint of aromatic sweetness that with age took on the traits that reminded some of old Nebbiolo and others of Marsala. Depending on the climate, the grape matures after mid September but there is a tendency to delay the picking of the grape to allow more pronounced alcohol yield and a good acid balanced. Most producers let Ruch� season in casks for awhile, even though it has a full aroma and flavor when bottled young. With age its basic ruby red color takes on hints of orange, as the bouquet, which reminds one of violets, roses, apricots, raspberry and hazelnuts, evolves in subtle ways. It is an excellent wine to serve with typical autumn-winter dishes, or with well-seasoned cheeses. The dominant and long lasting features in the life of this wine are the endearing sensation of a long lasting taste, the aromatic nuance comprising of a velvety ripe apricot, a slightly withered rose and an apple reserved in syrup and honey. Pick a tranquil spot in the shade, some homemade bread and cheese and a glass of Ruch�. A great way to savor the true quality of this fine wine. Serve at room temperature.