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The Monferrato area consists of a series of hills below the River Po in the south-east corner of Piedmont, in north-western Italy. Like Langhe, this zone received its own DOC in 1994 and follows similar relaxed rules allowing the blending of native varieties with international grapes. These wines are sold under the labels Monferrato Rosso and Monferrato Bianco.
Varietals are also made alongside the rosso (red) and bianco (white) wines, which must comprise 85% of the stated variety. The reds are dominated by the indigenous grapes Barbera, Freisa, Grignolino and Dolcetto, while the 'international' varieties are led by Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir. In terms of the region's whites, Cortese is the most widely used variety, with popular French imports Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc close behind.
The production zone covers the provinces of Asti and Alessandria. Here the terroir is ideal for viticulture, thanks to its continental climate and free-draining, tuffaceous soils. This type of soil is perfect for producing high-quality wines from such varieties as Grignolino and Barbera, both of which have the classically Italian combination of fresh, tangy fruit and a balance of sugar and acidity. The Monferrato is also home to the better-known DOC Barbera del Monferrato, and its premium-level DOCG counterpart Barbera del Monferrato Superiore.
At the very eastern edge of the northern Monferrato, but still just within the DOC boundaries, is the sub-appellation Monferrato Casalese. This takes its name from the commune of Casale Monferrato, whose wines tend to be a little less complex than others from the Piedmont region. In this area Grignolino del Monferrato Casalese is also produced, a tannic, cherry-red wine with lively acidity and fruity aromas reminiscent of rosehip and raspberries. The white wine of Casale is the Monferrato Casalese Cortese, a dry, refreshing and floral wine.
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