Sergio and Marisa, sons Fabio and Ivo, little sister Francesca, Elena (Fabio’s wife) herself, and the promising, very young offspring: right down to the latest, Sergio Valentino. “Family is the home of the heart,” goes dad Sergio’s motto. And it’s not a figure of speech: meeting the Marchisio family, in Castellinaldo, really means being welcomed into their family dimension. A true farming dynasty, which has been able to evolve over time. Always remaining faithful to their land, lovingly tended with natural, organic and biodynamic viticulture. The best opportunity to get in touch with their world? Booking a fantastic aperitif in the vineyard: the most beautiful way to celebrate summer, tasting the nectar of the winery directly between the rows.
Merit also goes to a decidedly exciting location like the brand new winery, literally enveloped by the vineyards. Two steps further on, it’s possible to toast in the shade of the vine shoots, where by now the grapes are waiting to be harvested. All around, the spectacle of the Roero opens wide from the belvedere: a wine district that is still very green, where vineyards alternate with wings of forest, pastures, orchards, and hazelnut patches. Technically: biodiversity. One of the keys to absolute quality: the richness of fragrances, where a wide range of essences coexist in full harmony. Lately, Roero’s quotations are only growing: wines that are agile and persuasive, wanting even longevity, but never tired.
Alone, the Marchisio Family guarantees the best of the local repertoire, with a strong twist. Workhorse, the Roero Arneis. The classic one, in steel, turns out absolutely unique, different from any other, thanks to the strictly indigenous yeasts. Then there is the Arneis in amphora, which amazes with its compelling smoothness. Pottery is the secret of another record, that of Nebbiolo: the first in history (Valmaggiore label) to be vinified in the traditional Caucasian vessels. There is of course no shortage of classic Nebbiolo, aged in wood like Castellinaldo, the only Barbera d’Alba (superior) recognized with its own subzone. In steel instead is the younger Barbera d’Alba, literally inexhaustible, full and round, easy-drinking.
Among the goodies, there is no shortage of other amphora masterpieces, from Riesling to Pinot Noir, not to mention must-haves such as Roero Riserva Francesca and now also an amazing Barolo, made from the legendary Vigna Rionda, a prestigious cru in Serralunga d’Alba. In summer, however, bubbles remain in pole position: classic method sparkling wines, ten years on the lees. A stunning blanc de blancs, 100% Arneis, and its rosé twin, made from Nebbiolo. Exciting glasses that never cease to surprise: freshness and complexity, a most happy marriage. And how can you pass up the opportunity to celebrate it with a memorable aperitif in the vineyard, listening to the thousand stories the Marchisio Family lives by?
