Cascina degli Ulivi

Stefano Bellotti & Ilaria Bellotti — Piedmont

Cascina degli Ulivi is a pioneering biodynamic farm and winery in Italy's Piedmont region. For decades, it was the life's work of the legendary Stefano Bellotti, a true radical and philosophical leader in the natural wine movement. Following his passing in 2018, his daughter, Ilaria Bellotti, has bravely and successfully taken the helm, continuing her father's uncompromising legacy. The estate, founded in 1977, is a living, breathing ecosystem that produces not only wine but also cereals, vegetables, and livestock, embodying a holistic approach to farming and life.

A Philosophy of Life and Autonomy

Stefano Bellotti’s philosophy was as much about a way of life as it was about winemaking. He famously said that "the trees, the leaves, and all the birds last as long as they have strength to live," a quote that perfectly captures his belief in listening to the land and allowing nature to take its course.

• Biodynamic Farming: The vineyards have been farmed biodynamically since the mid-1980s, long before it was fashionable. They are certified Demeter, a testament to their unwavering commitment to a vibrant, chemical-free ecosystem.

• Radical Non-Intervention: In the cellar, their approach is radically hands-off. All fermentations are spontaneous with native yeasts. There is no fining, no filtration, and, with very few exceptions, no added sulfur dioxide (SO2​).

• Integrity over Rules: Stefano was known for his battles with authorities over his unconventional practices. He chose to label his wines as simple "Vino da Tavola" rather than conforming to DOCG rules that he felt were restrictive to his natural methods.

The Vineyards and Terroir

Cascina degli Ulivi is located in the Gavi hills, a region known for its unique, maritime-influenced terroir.

• Location: Novi Ligure, in the province of Alessandria, Piedmont.

• Vineyard Area: The domaine covers 22 hectares of vineyards, along with 10 hectares of other crops.

• Grape Varieties: They work with a wide range of grapes, including local varieties like Cortese, Barbera, Dolcetto (especially a local strain called Nibiô), and Moscato, as well as international grapes like Merlot and Sauvignon Blanc.

• Soils: The terroir is a complex mix of clay and limestone soils, which contributes to the wines' structure and minerality.

Winemaking and Process

The winemaking at Cascina degli Ulivi is a celebration of purity and minimal intervention.

• Harvest: All grapes are meticulously hand-harvested and sorted.

• Vinification: The wines are fermented in a variety of vessels, including old barrels and large vats. They are known for their long macerations and a gentle approach that avoids over-extraction.

• Aging: The wines are aged for extended periods on their lees, which gives them complexity, texture, and natural stability. The largest barrels used are an impressive 4000 to 11,000 liters.

• Ilaria's Continuation: Since taking over, Ilaria has continued her father’s legacy with unwavering dedication, maintaining the same high standards and non-conformist spirit.

Signature Wines to Discover

The wines of Cascina degli Ulivi are renowned for their incredible energy, personality, and capacity to age.

• Semplicemente Vino Bianco: A pure Cortese that is known for its incredible freshness and minerality.

• Semplicemente Vino Rosso: A light and juicy red blend, often a mix of Barbera and Dolcetto.

• Filagnotti: A more serious, age-worthy white wine from a single vineyard, known for its complexity and depth.

• Montemarino: A distinctive orange wine made from a long skin maceration of white grapes.

Address & Contact

Cascina degli Ulivi is a working farm and an agriturismo. Visits and stays are possible by appointment.

• Address: Strada della Mazzola, 14, 15067 Novi Ligure (AL), Italy.