Torelli Vini The organic pioneer
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Closing Day
Holidays
The Torelli farm has held an important record since January 1993: the T000001 certification for its Moscato d’Asti 1992, the first BIO wine made from organically grown grapes in Italy.
Sustainability issues have always been at the core of the family’s production philosophy, respecting consumers and the environment.
During the guided tour and tasting, one has the opportunity to meet three generations of producers: that of Mario, the historical memory, that of Gianfranco, representative of the fourth generation, and finally that of Michela and Carlo, already well established in all aspects of management.
Visiting the winery, guests will be entertained by narratives linking wine and territory, fascinating historical facts from a past that testifies to the cultivation of vines since ancient times, supported by meticulous research.
The apartment in the family home
Part of the historic house purchased by Gianfranco’s great-grandfather in 1890, it has been renovated in keeping with the classic style of Langa buildings.
Today, that building, is an apartment available to those who choose a relaxing stay, with the days marked only by the rhythms of nature and country life.
Between the rows of Moscato you can discover the permanent exhibition Vignette in Vigna (Vignettes in the Vineyard)
Mario, Gianfranco and Carlo among the barriques in the family cellar
Part of the historic house has been refurbished maintaining the style of the Langa buildings
A story that
begins in 1890
in Bubbio
The winery's origin dates back to the 1890s, a period when the gradual shift from sharecropping to small farm ownership took place in Piedmont.
The birth of the farm began with the purchase of two farmsteads in Bubbio by Luigi Torelli and Giuseppe Cresta, Gianfranco's paternal and maternal great-grandfather, respectively.
In 1987, Mario and Marisa, Gianfranco's parents, decided to continue along the path traced by their ancestors by beginning to convert all 14 hectares of vineyards to organic cultivation.
The winery today is run by Gianfranco Torelli, an organic wine producer who has always been committed to environmental protection.
After his studies at the Umberto I Wine Institute in Alba, Gianfranco approached environmental sustainability issues, actively participating in the rebirth of Valle Bormida Pulita, in the second half of the 1980s, and in the recognition of Bubbio as an anti-transgenic municipality, in 1999.
The Belle Époque Period and Adolphe Torelli
Curious is the connection between the Torelli surname and Vermouth and that of Adolphe Torelli, a distant cousin who emigrated across the Alps in 1917 and bartender at the Winter Palace in Nice on the French Riviera.
He wrote the book, 900 American Cocktail and Beverage Recipes, Guide to the Chic Bartender and Gourmet.
His writings bear witness to a universally known Italian drink, the Americano. It found its first establishment in 1921 under the name Torelli's Appetizer.
Soon there were as many as thirty drinks under Torelli's name, which is why he is considered the initiator of cocktail fashion in Italy as well.
The Rooms
The stay in the apartment is a minimum of three nights
The stay allows you to immerse yourself in the family dimension, discover the rhythms of work in the vineyard and authentic flavors, receiving seasonal produce from the garden every day.
The farmhouse apartment sleeps 2 to 4, has a separate entrance, bright and spacious living room, panoramic terrace, bathroom, bedroom, kitchenette, Wi-Fi, air conditioning and free charging for electric cars. By choice there is no TV.
Pets are not allowed inside the apartment, but are still welcome in the outbuildings outside the apartment.
Trekking, mountain biking, and road biking enthusiasts will have no way to get bored as they traverse a dense network of trails and scenic roads.
Check-In
Check-Out
N° of Apartments
Double Room
Additional Bed
Guests stay in a part of what was once their grandfather’s house
You learn about the daily activities in the vineyard and receive the produce from the garden every morning
The flat can accommodate up to four people
The Wines
Time and labor have realized the potential of a land capable of offering wines of excellence
All wines from the production can be purchased at the winery and are featured in leading Italian and international restaurants and wine shops.
Organic Aromatics
To this category belong Moscato d’Asti DOCG San Gròd, which from the 2023 vintage will simply be Canelli DOCG, following the recent recognition of the designation.
It pairs perfectly with fish-based dishes, oriental cuisine and fusion, thanks to its fruity notes of peach and apricot. A must-try with oysters.
Popular especially in southern Italy and northern Europe is Brachetto d’Acqui DOCG Petali di rosa.
Both wines represent two aromatic sweet versions characteristic of this area.
Organic sparkling wines
Worth the trip isAlta Langa DOCG, the classic method sparkling wine made from Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, produced since the mid-19th century in the nearby Underground Cathedrals of Canelli.
As per the specification, it involves very long aging on the lees of at least 30 months.
Completing the range areAsti DOCG Di Michela, Piemonte DOC Spumante Brut Di Paola, and Piemonte DOC Pinot Nero Spumante Brut Rosé Di Marisa, wines whose labels bear the names of the family women.
Bubeum
A gem of the production is the Piedmont DOC Moscato Passito Bubeum Bio, obtained by the special procedure involving thenatural drying of the grapes.
Enriching the Bubeum range are Macerato Bio, an orange wine derived from Muscat grapes, andAnphora Bio, made from Chardonnay wine by processing in terracotta amphorae.
Organic red wines aged in wood
The range features red wines aged in barrique, following a year in steel tanks.
Special mention goes to the Barbera d’Asti DOCG Superiore Il Vecchio and the Nizza DOCG Caranti, both obtained from barbera grapes grown in optimal locations, and the Piemonte DOC Syrah L’eremo.
These are joined by Dolcetto d’Asti DOC Superiore Vendemmia Nelle Nebbie, Piemonte DOC Pinot Nero Il Magno, Piemonte DOC Merlot Il Novo, Piemonte DOC Rosso Cuvée di Carlo.
Young Organic Red Wines
Young red wines obtained following a year in steel tanks belong to this category.
These are young wines, to be consumed within five or six years of harvest: Piemonte DOC Chardonnay La Milana, Dolcetto d’Asti DOC Il Rocchetto, Barbera d’Asti DOCG I Mandorli, Barbera d’Asti DOCG La Bèla Gagiòta, Piemonte DOC Rosso L’Extremo.
Vermouth and Aromatic Wines Organic
The production of three different types of Vermouth and Chinato is linked to the oenological studies carried out by Gianfranco during his herbalism, aromatics and liqueur course and to the figure of Adolphe Torelli, a distant cousin across the Alps and author of the book 900 American Cocktail and Beverage Recipes.
Back in fashion, Vermouth represents a classic Italian aperitif, to be enjoyed chilled either neat with an orange peel or as an ingredient in the preparation of cocktails.
Organic Distillates
Brandy, made by distilling Barbera pomace and aged a minimum of two years, and grappas close the production: Grappa Piemonte made from Barbera and Dolcetto grapes and two versions made from Moscato grapes, one traditional and one aged in wood.
Produced Wines
Vineyards Extension
N° of Bottles
Vineyards Location
Agricultural Method
At the winery it is possible to taste and buy wines from the production
Work is carried out with respect for the health of the consumer and the vineyard
Sustainability is at the heart of the company philosophy
Experiences
The added value is meeting with the entire family of producers
Upon reaching the farm, it is possible to take a guided tour, which is completely managed by the Torelli family.
Guests are welcomed into the atmospheric tasting room where, among oak barrels, water features and stone walls, works of art by international artists are housed. Every year the company organizes events related to the art and comics world.
During the (optional) walk among the rows of Moscato vines adjacent to the winery, some of Piedmont’s most beautiful wild orchids bloom between April and May, a testament to the care that is inherent in organic vineyard operations.
Also strolling around, one discovers thepermanent exhibition Vignettes in the Vineyard, specially created with Savona cartoonist Roby Giannotti: 40 satirical vignettes dedicated to vines and wine.
On special occasions the longest vignette in Italy is rolled out, 70 meters long by one meter high in one large sheet.
This is followed by a visit to the small museum of farming tradition, which features numerous tools of the great-grandparents: wooden crank destemmer, vat, press, bag filter, corker and the 19th-century capsulator.
A useful path to discover differences and similarities between the production processes of the past and those of today: pressing, filtration, clarification, preservation.
The three tasting routes
Finally comes the highlight of the visit: the presentation and wine tasting under the guidance of the producer paired with typical local products.
The Torelli family has also thought of a vegetarian/vegan alternative: the cold cuts platter can be replaced by a dish containing a Piedmontese appetizer based solely on vegetables prepared by the small farm La Virginia in Cassinasco.
Aperitivo Tasting (duration 1h)
4 wines (or alternatively 3 wines + 1 vermouth/1 distillate)
Premium Tasting (duration 1h 30)
6 wines (or alternatively 5 wines + 1 vermouth/1 distillate)
Gourmet Tasting (duration 2h)
8 wines (or alternatively 7 wines + 1 vermouth/1 distillate)
The typical foods accompanying the wines are produced by local farms: agrisalumeria Luiset in Ferrere d’Asti, butcher shop Merlo in Monastero Bormida, dairies Amaltea, Buttiero and Dotta with Roccaverano DOP cheese. The desserts are hazelnut-based according to the most typical Piedmontese tradition, the main ingredient for preparing the cake (gluten-free) from Perigolosi in Monastero Bormida.
Upon request, the tasting room can serve as a meeting room for small conventions, corporate team building activities or special events to be arranged with the Torelli family.
Tasting sessions
Friday and Saturday morning
1st session: 9:00 AM
2nd session: 10:00 AM
3rd session: 11:00 AM
Friday and Saturday afternoon
1st session: 3:00 PM
2nd session: 4:00 PM
3rd session: 5:00 PM
Groups
Experience Duration
Booking
Experience Price
In agreement with the family, are organised school trips, recreational and educational activities
Differences and similarities between production processes of today and yesteryear are discovered
Hearing stories and anecdotes directly from the people who make the wine is a valuable experience
The territory
The farm is located at the extreme tip of the province of Asti, almost on the border with Liguria.
The Langa Astigiana is characterized by a varied and fascinating territory made up of broad hills where vine cultivation alternates with pastures, woods and hazelnut groves.
Here you can also admire small villages of medieval origin, ancient towers and castles and enjoy a renowned food and wine tradition.
Its importance has been shared with the world through its inclusion byUNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
Bubbio and its connection to the past
The winery is located on the hill of San Grato, topped by a 19th-century chapel consecrated to the saint of the same name, protector of crops against natural adversity. It stands on the ruins of an earlier Roman temple.
These places already bore witness to the cultivation of vines in ancient times: in fact, a wine amphora is featured on the municipal coat of arms, and the etymology of Bubbio, bubeum, recalls a wine that was highly prized at banquets of the ancient Romans.
The proximity to Canelli and Acqui Terme and Nizza Monferrato still make the glories of the spa tradition of an archaic Rome.
Furthermore, as evidence of the importance of vine cultivation as early as the late medieval period, we recall the 1464 recognition obtained by Marquis Guglielmo del Monferrato regarding the Medieval Statutes for the municipality of Bubbio, the Statuti Proprii loci Bubii aimed at assessing the responsibilities and consequent penalties caused by man or animals to the vines.
Nearby
Prices & Services
All production wines are available for purchase at the winery
Types of tasting
Three types of tastings including the farm tour and a tasting of local products can be held at the farmhouse.
- Aperitivo Tasting (duration 30') → €15.00
4 wines (or alternatively 3 wines + 1 vermouth/1 distillate) - Premium Tasting (duration 1h) → €25.00
6 wines (or alternatively 5 wines + 1 vermouth/1 distillate) - Gourmet Tasting (duration 1h30) → €35.00
8 wines (or alternatively 7 wines + 1 vermouth/1 distillate)
The agri-apartment
Overnight stay + breakfast for two people
- Three nights 330.00 €
- Four nights 420.00 €
- Five nights 500 €
- Six nights 570.00 €
- Seven nights 650.00 €
More info: €10.00 per night for each additional person, max 4 beds; prices include 10% vat; LPG gas charges for cooking and heating excluded (independent gas meter)
BIO wines from the production
- Canelli DOCG Moscato San Gròd €11.00
- Brachetto d'Acqui DOCG Petali di Rosa €11.00
- Asti DOCG Di Michela €11.00
- Piemonte DOC Spumante Brut Di Paola €11.00
- Piemonte DOC Pinot Nero Spumante Brut Rosé Di Marisa €11.00
- Piemonte DOC Chardonnay La Milana €9.00
- Dolcetto d'Asti DOC Il Rocchetto €9.00
- Barbera d'Asti DOCG I Mandorli €9.00
- Barbera d'Asti La bèla Gagiòta €9.00
- Piemonte Rosso DOC L'Extremo €9.00
- Barbera d'Asti DOCG Superiore Il Vecchio €11.00
- Piemonte DOC Rosso Cuvée di Carlo €15.00
- Nizza DOCG Riserva I Caranti €26.00
- Piemonte DOC Syrah L'Eremo €15.00
- Dolcetto d'Asti DOC Superiore Vendemmia Nelle Nebbie €15.00
- Alta Langa DOCG Rosè €26.00
- Alta Langa DOCG Bianco €26.00
- Piemonte DOC Pinot Nero Il Magno €15.00
- Piemonte DOC Merlot Il Novo €15.00
- Piemonte DOC Moscato Passito Bubeum €22.00
- Piemonte DOC Moscato Passito Bubeum Macerato €15.00
- Piemonte DOC Moscato Passito Bubeum Anphora €34.00
- Vermouth (Torino Dry, Torino Dry Rosso and Torino Bianco) €16.00
- Chinatum 16.00 €.
- Grappa (Piedmont and Muscat) €16.00
- Muscat Grappa Aged 18,00 €
- Brandy 18.00 €18.00
Services
Accepted Payments
Torelli Vini
The organic pioneer
Wine Producer in Bubbio
Torelli Vini
The organic pioneer
Wine Producer in Bubbio
