Crotin

Crotin winery is located in Maretto, at about an hour drive from Alba. The Monferrato area is still untamed and rich in biodiversity: the majority of the land is wild, natural forest and vines alternate with corn and fruit trees. Going back home to make organic wine from the native grapes of Piemonte has been a family affair. The three Russo brothers, Federico, Marcello and Corrado, work together, managing the vineyards, the cellar, and the B&B in their charming family home.

Over the last five years, they’ve brought their wines to a new level with direction from one of Italy’s most promising young enologists, Cristiano Garella. The range of their wines demonstrate Cristiano’s hawkeye for detail and authenticity, and makes this estate a sure bet for people who want to spend their time drinking a wine that speaks the dialect of where it comes.

​​Most of the Russo’s vineyards are in the far western communes of Asti, Maretto and Monale. Because of their proximity to the Alps, these two regions are contenders for the coldest in the Asti commune. The vineyard soils have varying levels of clay, limestone and sand, similar to the Langhe, Italy’s Mecca for world-class wines.