Vengore: A Unique Winery in Monferrato’s Hills
Vengore is a family-owned winery located in the heart of Monferrato, a prestigious winemaking region in Piedmont, Italy. Nestled between Asti and Alessandria, Vengore is part of the Monferrato DOC area, a region known for its long winemaking history and distinctive terroir, which contributes to the production of high-quality wines like Barbera, Grignolino, and Freisa.
Terroir and Vineyard Geology
The estate’s vineyards are situated at an elevation of around 280-300 meters above sea level, which offers optimal sun exposure and cooler nights—conditions that help preserve the acidity in the grapes while enhancing the aromatic complexity of the wines. The soil composition is key to Vengore’s unique wines. The vineyards rest on a mix of calcareous marl and clay-limestone soils, typical of the Monferrato area. These soils, rich in marine fossils, date back to the Miocene epoch and provide excellent drainage, fostering deeper root systems and resulting in wines with pronounced minerality and complexity.
Varietals and Sustainability
Vengore cultivates traditional Piedmontese grape varieties such as Barbera, Nebbiolo, Grignolino, and Freisa, with a strong commitment to organic and sustainable viticulture. The winery emphasizes biodiversity in the vineyard and strives to maintain a natural balance, using organic fertilizers and minimal intervention. Their approach ensures that the wines reflect the true expression of Monferrato’s terroir, with each vintage bringing out the natural characteristics of the soil and climate.
Winemaking and Philosophy
Managed by the dynamic Lucrezia Povero, whose family’s winemaking history dates back to 1837, the estate emphasizes a non-interventionist approach to winemaking. The use of sulfites is minimal, and all wines are crafted with indigenous yeasts. This philosophy results in elegant and fresh wines that are rich in flavor, capable of aging gracefully and evolving with finesse.
Key wines include:
- Terre Alfieri Nebbiolo Belgardo: Made from 100% Nebbiolo, this wine is aged in large Slavonian oak barrels and offers refined notes of cherry, cranberry, and spices, underpinned by polished tannins.
- Barbera d’Asti Campolungo: A 100% Barbera wine, this offering is vinified and aged in stainless steel tanks, resulting in a fragrant wine with fresh red berries, crisp acidity, and a savory core
Heritage and Future
Vengore’s history is deeply tied to the heritage of Monferrato, a region that has long been recognized as one of Italy’s top wine-producing areas. Today, the estate continues to focus on producing premium wines that highlight the best of their unique terroir. Vengore’s commitment to quality and respect for nature is evident in their long-term vision for sustainable winemaking.
