Nestled in the embrace of timeless Italian elegance and rich winemaking heritage, Tenuta Santa Caterina beckons as a testament to the enduring allure of viticulture. Founded with a vision rooted in the past, Guido Carlo Alleva, a successful Milan attorney, undertook the remarkable journey of restoring this historic property. In the heart of Monferrato, he reclaimed the fortress-like estate, dating back to the 18th century, originally designed to protect the abbey of Santa Caterina. With unwavering dedication, he revitalized not just the physical structure but also the vineyards that grace this land. This essay embarks on a voyage through the history of Tenuta Santa Caterina, its visionary founder Guido Carlo Alleva, and the wines that embody the essence of this exquisite terroir.
A Renaissance in Stone: The Restoration of Tenuta Santa Caterina
To truly understand the essence of Tenuta Santa Caterina, we must first unveil the history of its restoration. This section explores how Guido Carlo Alleva meticulously refurbished the estate’s house, porticoes, Italian-style gardens, stables, and the original cellar with its ancient brick vaults. The infernòt, a subterranean treasure carved 17 meters deep into the tuff, recognized as a UNESCO site, also underwent restoration. Furthermore, we delve into the transformation of a charming Relais, surrounded by lush foliage, offering an enchanting immersion into the past.
Rebirth of Terroir: The Revival of Vineyards and Varieties
The same level of care extended to the land itself. Guido Carlo Alleva embarked on the meticulous restoration of 20 hectares of vineyards, embracing native Monferrato grape varieties. This section delves into the meticulous approach to vineyard management, capturing the essence of the terroir and the revival of traditional grape varieties that had once faded into obscurity. We explore the challenges and triumphs of reawakening derelict vineyard land and the commitment to sustainable viticulture.
The Winemaking Symphony: Crafting Wines with a Purpose
The soul of Tenuta Santa Caterina resides in its wines. Guido Carlo Alleva’s vision extended to the vinification process, where wines are aged in French oak barriques and Slovenian oak casks. This section delves into the winemaking philosophy that embraces tradition and innovation. We uncover the secrets of the cellar, the nuances of fermentation, and the artistry behind aging the wines. An intimate look at the cellar’s inner workings reveals the commitment to preserving the wines’ vitality.
SorìdiGiul: The Jewel of Freisa d’Asti
Among the treasures of Tenuta Santa Caterina, the 2015 SorìdiGiul Freisa d’Asti stands as a symbol of excellence. This section offers an in-depth exploration of this exceptional wine, known as the slightly wild ancestor of the Nebbiolo grape. We dissect the wine’s complex palate, its enduring flavors, and its profound connection to the authentic Piemontese winemaking tradition. The story behind SorìdiGiul, dedicated to Giulia, Guido’s daughter, unfolds in the context of terroir and vineyard origins.
The Nebbiolo grape’s somewhat untamed precursor, Freisa, possesses a wealth of aromatic complexity and structural qualities, yet it garners serious attention and skilful treatment from only a select group of Italian vintners. Among these, the Alleva family stands out, demonstrating their mastery with a wine that boasts a marvellously intricate palate and a remarkably enduring flavour.
In the nomenclature of Piedmontese winemaking, “Sorì” designates the sunniest and most favourable vineyard locations. “SorìdiGiul” pays tribute to Giulia from her father, Guido Carlo Alleva. This renowned Freisa embodies the rich aromas and structural characteristics deeply rooted in the authentic Piedmontese tradition.
The grapes for this wine originate from the Podere dei Mossetti vineyard, where the soil consists of a blend of clays and relatively shallow sandstones. This unique terroir allows for the ideal balance between vine vegetative growth and the phenolic ripening of the grapes.
Key Details
Vineyard Elevation: 300 meters above sea level, facing southeast, with a planting density of 4,500 to 5,000 plants per hectare using the Guyot system.
Hand-harvesting commences in the fourth week of September, yielding 45 to 50 quintals of grapes per hectare. Fermentation occurs at a controlled temperature of approximately 26–28 °C. The wine undergoes aging in new French oak tonneaux for roughly 8 months, followed by an additional 12 months in large oak barrels with a capacity of 30 hectoliters.
Terroir Unveiled: Vineyard Details and Winemaking Process
This section takes a deep dive into the specifics of SorìdiGiul, from vineyard location and grape varieties to harvest methods and fermentation processes. The reader gains a comprehensive understanding of the meticulous attention to detail that goes into crafting this remarkable wine. We explore the nuances of the soil, the character of the grapes, and the artistry behind the winemaking process.
Tasting the Essence: Notes and Flavor Profile
The sensory experience of SorìdiGiul comes alive in this section. We paint a vivid picture of the wine’s sensory journey, from the aromatic hints of ripe red fruit to floral and spicy notes that tantalize the nose. We delve into the palate, uncovering the right balance of sugar, alcohol, and acidity that defines the wine’s character. The tasting notes reveal the exquisite harmony that emerges in every sip, a testament to the artistry of Tenuta Santa Caterina.
A Legacy of Tradition, Innovation, and Terroir
As we conclude our journey through the history of Tenuta Santa Caterina, we raise our glasses to a legacy that embodies tradition, innovation, and a deep connection to the terroir. Guido Carlo Alleva’s vision, meticulous restoration, and commitment to crafting exceptional wines have left an indelible mark on the world of Italian viticulture. Tenuta Santa Caterina stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of terroir-driven winemaking, where the past meets the present and the wines are an expression of a timeless passion.
The Wines
Tasting notes
2015 SorìdiGiul Freisa d’ Asti
The nose releases hints of ripe red fruit as well as floral and spicy notes. On the palate, it is characterized by the right sugar and alcohol content and by a good fixed acidity, which helps to enhance the aromas and maintain them over time.
Via Guglielmo Marconi, 17
14035 Grazzano Badoglio AT
Italy
