Castello di Gabiano

The Marchesi Cattaneo Adorno Giustiniani family owns Castello di Gabiano and has done so for many generations. The current generation, led by Giacomo Cattaneo Adorno and his wife Emanuela, actively manages the estate, combining family heritage with modern agricultural and hospitality practices. They oversee both the wine production and the hospitality side of the estate, which includes a boutique relais and event hosting. The family’s aim is to safeguard the land and local identity through sustainable practices and limited production of high-quality wines.

Castello di Gabiano has documented roots in wine production dating back to the 12th century. The castle itself has stood for over a millennium, strategically positioned above the Po River. The estate became particularly notable in the 17th century when the Cattaneo Adorno family acquired it and began formalising viticulture and estate management. In the 20th century, the estate was instrumental in preserving the Rubino di Cantavenna DOC—a unique red blend emblematic of the area. Restoration of the historic vineyards and cellar has been ongoing, preserving the estate's legacy as one of Monferrato's key historical producers.

The estate is located in Gabiano, a hilltop village in the province of Alessandria, within the Monferrato area of Piedmont. It overlooks the Po River and sits in the northwestern corner of Monferrato Casalese, close to the border with the province of Turin. Though less famous than Langhe or Roero, this part of Piedmont has a deep viticultural history and is recognised by UNESCO as part of the “Vineyard Landscape of Piedmont.” The estate lies within the Rubino di Cantavenna DOC and also produces wines under Barbera del Monferrato and Monferrato Rosso denominations.

Castello di Gabiano’s vineyards span around 20 hectares planted primarily with Barbera, as well as Freisa and Grignolino, traditional grapes of the area. The estate’s vineyards are situated on rolling hills with calcareous-clay soils that offer excellent drainage and mineral content. Viticulture is practiced with a focus on sustainability, with selective harvesting and minimal intervention. The Gabiano terroir, with its proximity to the Po River and cool breezes from the Alps, gives the wines freshness and structure. Low yields and careful vineyard management help preserve the distinct identity of these local varieties.

The winemaking approach at Castello di Gabiano is traditional but refined. Fermentations are done in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, with careful maceration to extract varietal character and tannic structure. Barbera, the estate’s leading variety, is aged in a mix of stainless steel and oak barrels (both large casks and barriques) depending on the cuvée. Wines such as Rubino di Cantavenna involve blending Barbera with small percentages of Freisa and Grignolino, following DOC regulations. The emphasis is on balance, freshness, and expression of place, with a restrained use of oak and a commitment to authenticity over volume.

The flagship wine is the Rubino di Cantavenna, a rare DOC blend that combines Barbera (majority) with Freisa and Grignolino, offering depth, spiciness, and age-worthiness. Their Barbera del Monferrato DOC expressions range from fresh, fruity styles to more structured bottlings aged in wood. Other notable wines include monovarietal Grignolino and Freisa, which reflect the estate’s dedication to preserving indigenous grapes. Small bottlings of premium cuvées and riserva selections are produced from the best vineyard parcels, showcasing the ageing potential and complexity of Monferrato wines.

Castello di Gabiano is open to visitors and offers a full hospitality experience, including guided tours of the historic castle, gardens, and wine cellar. The estate features a boutique relais with elegantly restored suites and an on-site restaurant serving regional cuisine paired with estate wines. The medieval setting, including a labyrinth garden and panoramic views over the Po Valley, enhances the visit. Wine tastings and private events are available by appointment, making it a cultural and enogastronomic destination in northern Piedmont.