Azienda Agricola Stella
is a family-run winery located in Costigliole d’Asti in the heart of the Monferrato region of Piedmont, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The winery, under the technical direction of the Stella family, is dedicated to producing wines that authentically express the local terroir and the character of native Piedmontese grapes. Their viticultural and enological practices are rooted in a philosophy of minimal environmental impact and a deep respect for tradition.
Viticulture:
Vineyard Management: The estate’s vineyards are cultivated with a focus on sustainable practices, emphasizing soil health and biodiversity. They work with traditional local varieties, with a strong focus on Barbera, Grignolino, and Dolcetto.
Yield Control: To ensure grape concentration and quality, the winery practices careful yield management through winter pruning and green harvesting. This focus on lower yields is critical for achieving the structure and intensity characteristic of their wines, especially for Barbera d’Asti.
Terroir: The vineyards are situated on the typical marl and calcareous clay soils of the Monferrato area. This specific soil composition contributes to the wines' a well-defined structure and minerality.
Enology:
Fermentation: Fermentation is carried out in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. This allows for precise control over the fermentation process, preserving the primary fruit aromas and varietal characteristics. The winery utilizes selected yeasts to ensure consistent and clean fermentations, which is a common practice for maintaining a defined style and preventing off-flavors.
Aging: The aging regimen is tailored to each grape variety to enhance its unique qualities.
Barbera: Barbera is typically aged in a combination of large Slavonian oak barrels (botti grandi) and French oak barriques. This approach balances the preservation of Barbera’s vibrant acidity and fruit with the addition of complexity and a softer tannin profile from the wood.
Grignolino & Dolcetto: These lighter, more delicate varietals are often aged exclusively in stainless steel or large neutral containers to maintain their freshness and signature red fruit and floral notes.
Minimal Fining and Filtration: The winery aims to preserve the wine's natural texture and character by using a minimalist approach to fining and filtration, often forgoing these steps entirely when possible. This is part of their commitment to a more authentic expression of the grape and the vintage.
The technical approach at Azienda Agricola Stella is a combination of traditional regional practices and modern cellar technology, aimed at producing structured, elegant, and highly drinkable wines that are true to their Piedmontese heritage.