Monferrato DOC

Monferrato is a historic Italian wine region and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, located in Piedmont, across the provinces of Alessandria and Asti. It is also home to the Monferrato DOC, one of Italy’s most flexible—and often misunderstood—wine appellations.

The Monferrato DOC wines can be produced as Rosso, Bianco, or Chiaretto, or as grape-specific expressions such as Barbera del Monferrato, Dolcetto, and Cortese del Monferrato Casalese. This wide classification reflects the region’s extraordinary viticultural diversity.

Uniquely, Monferrato DOC is also used when no more specific appellation applies. The regulations permit dozens of authorised grape varieties, both native and international, with no mandatory ageing requirements. This gives winemakers exceptional creative freedom, effectively an open canvas. As a result, there are hundreds of Monferrato DOC wines, often radically different in style, structure, and expression, making direct comparison nearly impossible.

Monferrato Rosso wines are typically based on native grapes such as Barbera and Nebbiolo, alongside international varieties including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Pinot Nero. Monferrato Bianco wines commonly feature Cortese and Favorita, as well as Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.

Overall, Monferrato wines are celebrated for their diversity, strong regional identity, and outstanding value, making the appellation one of Piedmont’s most dynamic and intriguing wine landscapes.