In Gavi’s oasis

Villa Sparina is in Monterotondo di Gavi (Alessandria), a historic estate that belongs to the Moccagatta family since the Seventies. It’s not hard to get there: you take the Milano-Genova motorway, exit in Serravalle Scrivia, go around the roundabout and then take the road that leads to Monterotondo. After a few kilometres, you discover a paradisiac landscape, a silence that only converses with nature, a window over woods and a countryside defined by the vineyards of Cortese grapes, the cradle of a great white wine from Piedmont, namely Gavi. This is a secluded place, in which the view spreads over a hilly horizon full of vineyards, with the Ligurian sea, not far way, sending its charming breezes.

The Moccagatta brothers have focused entirely on quality and originality. Each of them has a very defined role: Tiziana is the elegant host, Massimo the manager and Stefano the commercial and creative soul. A nice family with a clear element in their DNA: their passion for work. Those produced by Villa Sparina are stylish wines, renowned for their elegant and refined drinkability. They have a thrilling underground cellar with a charming barrique area. Here the wines are born and age for many months just like what happens to the sparkling wine made with Cortese grapes, produced since 1984 - a “metodo classico” with 36 months of fermentation in bottle with very elegant bubbles, as elegant as the bottle itself.

These are straightforward and timeless special selections, that have nothing to do with improvisation. There’s a rare finesse, especially in the Monterondo cru, with its very personal stylistic notes: first produced in 1997, this wine doesn’t age but evolves offering, after a decade of perfect refining in bottle, a great balance full of rich evolved scents and flavours. A very pleasant palate characterises this white Italian wine that shares the same philosophy as that of Bourgogne’s vignerons.

Thanks to a careful renovation finished in May 2004, the estate is now enriched by 34 refined suites, with a simplicity of details that is only apparent. A happy natural oasis, resort Ostelliere stimulates the well-being of body and soul. The guest is welcomed with special attention and the care to detail of a private residence, supported by the gastronomic pleasures offered by restaurant La Gallina. This is an old barn transformed into a gastronomic location and run in the kitchen by Massimo Mentasti a chef from Varese who has worked here for the past 6 years. This young man was charmed by the galaxy of stoves, he’s careful, interested in finding ingredients of the highest quality that can be constantly found in his dishes.

The resort, mostly visited by international guests, is open all year round except in the winter, from December to February. Soon Villa Sparina will complete the renovations of the estate, creating some new suites, always paying attention to respecting the spirit of this place, in harmony with the landscape of Monterondo.