Tenuta Il Nespolo

Tenuta Il Nespolo, located in the municipality of Moasca in the province of Asti, represents an example of viticulture that combines the historical heritage of the Monferrato with a modern and meticulous approach to wine production. The winery is managed by the Rabino family, who with dedication and expertise have been able to enhance the value of the territory and the native grapes, particularly Moscato Bianco.

Viticulture and Terroir: A Dialogue with the Land

The philosophy of Tenuta Il Nespolo is based on a deep respect for the environment and the natural cycle of the vine. The vineyards, which extend over approximately 12 hectares, are planted on soils of marly-clay origin, a type of soil that gives the grapes a distinct minerality and complexity. Agronomic management is focused on sustainability, with the goal of preserving biodiversity and soil health. They adopt practices of integrated and, where possible, organic agriculture, limiting the use of chemical treatments to a minimum and favoring targeted interventions.

The planting density is designed to ensure a natural competition among the vines, which leads to controlled yields and high-quality grapes. Vineyard operations, from pruning to harvesting, are conducted with great care, often manually, to select the clusters at their optimal moment of ripeness.

Vinification: Meticulousness and Innovation

In the cellar, the winemaking process is a combination of traditional techniques and careful modern management. The goal is to enhance the varietal characteristics of the grapes, particularly the aromatic ones of Moscato, without resorting to invasive practices. For white wines, such as Moscato d'Asti, the grapes are softly crushed, followed by a gentle pressing. The resulting must is cooled and kept at a controlled temperature to preserve its primary aromas. The alcoholic fermentation, which takes place in pressurized autoclaves, is naturally interrupted upon reaching the desired alcohol content (typically around 5-5.5% vol) and residual sugar. This technical process, known as "cold fermentation," is crucial for maintaining the freshness, sweetness, and fine perlage that characterize Moscato d'Asti.

For red wines, such as Barbera d'Asti, fermentation occurs in stainless steel tanks at a controlled temperature for a variable maceration period. Aging takes place in stainless steel tanks to preserve the fruity notes and freshness, while some selected wines may undergo a brief passage in wood to impart greater complexity and softness to the tannins, without overpowering them with toasted or vanilla notes.

Oenological Profile

The production of Tenuta Il Nespolo is a faithful expression of the Monferrato terroir. Their wines are distinguished by a clean and elegant profile, which reflects the winery's non-interventionist approach and technical accuracy. Their Moscato d'Asti is renowned for its balance of sweetness, acidity, and fine bubbles. The red wines, such as Barbera d'Asti, show a fruity character with good structure and a pleasant drinkability. The Rabino family's dedication to quality and sustainability has made Tenuta Il Nespolo a benchmark for regional oenology, capable of producing wines that tell the story and richness of their landscape.