History
The Morando Family has lived in this area since 1580. In 1988 the major part of the bordering land was purchased and at present the vineyards extend for 21 hectares in the best zones for the production of the various wines: i.e. Castiglione Tinellla for Moscato, Montegrosso and Costigliole d'Asti for Barbera and Neive for Barbaresco. Paolo supervises all work in the vineyards, while his brother Giulio is responsible for the wine-making.
The Morando brothers’ Moscato is perfection: it has the richness that thoroughly satisfies coupled to a fragrant freshness that prevents cloying; and the bouquet transcends Moscato with unique nuances of sage and mint.
In this estate strict organic practices have been utilized for over 30 years, in fact chemical pesticides and fertilizers are banned in favour of sulphur and copper base products, manure and compost. Leguminous plants are sown on the aisles between the rows of vines and biological control is normally used against some kinds of pests. Furthermore, Giulio and Paolo Morando closely collaborate with the University of Turin, where their uncle Albino has taught viticulture for many years, and a considerable amount of research work is carried out at La Morandina. The estate is now in the conversion phase to be certified organic.
The estate offers two wonderful Barbera d’Asti, Barbera Varmat and Barbera Zucchetto, both issuing from very old vines: husky and riddled with spice, these are pure examples of this rich soil, originating from the Miocene Epoch during which the Alps continued rising from the sea (fossilized shells can be found in the ground). The vines of the Varmat cru are prephylloxera and are 100-120 years old.
Giulio and Paolo also make a regular Barbera d’Asti and a stunning single vineyard Barbaresco, “Bricco Spessa” (a cru in the township of Neive), made from 70-80 year old vines, mainly Nebbiolo Michet.
Year of establishment:1800
Average annual production:150,000 (bottles)
Total vineyard extension (hectares):21
Planted varietals and extension (hectares):Barbera - 8 ha
Moscato bianco - 11 ha
Nebbiolo - 1 ha
Syrah - 0.1 ha
Vine training system:
Guyot
Cultivation method in the vineyard:grass is left on the aisles between the rows of vines
Type of viticulture:In the conversion phase to be certified organic
Harvest period:Mid September/Mid October
Agronomist:Paolo Morando
Oenologist:Giulio Morando