Arneis "Luet"

CASCINA VAL DEL PRETE

Cascina Val del Prete or valley of the priest takes its name from the exiled Bishop of Asti who lived there in 1850. In 1977 Bartolomeo Roagna and his wife Carolina bought the farm "Val del Prete" where they had worked as sharecroppers. The first thing they did was replace some grain and fruit with vines. The grapes are planted on south facing slopes in a splendid natural amphitheater. Over the years they have increased the area under vine. Their sons, Mario and Luigi, have entered the family business and take care of the vineyards. Cascina Val del Prete continues to be well received due to Mario’s commitment to great wine .

Mario Roagna is one of Roero's rising winemakers. In a certain sense, his story is symbolic of a territory that has grown and asserted itself as one of winning quality. The winery is situated in the vinyards with a beautiful view of an ampitheater from the cellar. Unfortunately, for the past two years Mario's plots of land have experienced hailstorms, causing diminished production and a blow to morale for those who have become frustrated by their thwarted efforts. But Mario has certainly not stopped when faced with these difficulties. On the contrary, he has found the energy to improve upon what he has accomplished in the past. His production of wine this year is one of his finest.