Between Alba and Nizza Monferrato
The Situation : The vineyard is located on a south-facing hillside high above the scenic Belbo valley and overlooking Canelli, the commercial centre of the local wine trade, only a short drive away. Canelli is home to many of the important Asti cellars such as Bosca, Gancia and Riccadonna. The property is situated in the heart of the premier Moscato wine region. Distance to the motorway: 30 minutes.
The Vineyard: The top-quality Moscato DOC vineyard is situated on a hillside at the head of an amphitheatre-shaped valley. The 4 Ha (10 acre) vineyard is fairly steep, but well exposed and adapted for working with modern machinery. Annual grape harvest is about 38 tonnes (38,000 Kg) and the fruit is currently sold. If bottled on the estate, production would be about 38,000 bottles of 0.75 centilitres per annum. These Moscato grapes can also be used to make Passito wine, a very expensive, rich dessert wine that is produced only in small quantities. The estate has been well looked after, and is in good condition. Subject to negotiation, agreement can be reached with another wine-producer to maintain the estate and handle wine production, should the new owner wish to sub-contract these activities.
The House: The two floor eighteenth-century brick-built house is situated on a terrace overlooking the vineyard and the valley and enjoys fantastic views. The building is about 30 m long and 16 m wide (100 x 53 ft), and is built in the typical style of South Piedmontese vineyards, the so-called "cascinas", which provide living and working areas under one roof. This makes architectural changes quite straightforward. All rooms of the house are very spacious and have lots of light. A former "portico"(roof supported by columns) that houses the main gate to the property has been converted into an unattractive, modern wing of the house. This section could be demolished, or alternatively could be adapted to the style of the house and converted into additional accommodation. The house is in good structural condition, but has not been occupied for some time and is in need of a general renovation: the cost of the renovation required is estimated to be at least 600 Million Lire.
Accommodation
Ground Floor: The main entrance opens into a spacious hall. From there access to two spacious rooms and a huge open-plan cantina/wine cellar at the back of the house which features the original eighteenth-century wooden Moscato filter systems. In addition there is a large stable and a huge water reservoir.
First floor: An unusually wide and slightly crescent-shaped stone staircase leads onto a spacious landing. From there doors lead to seven large bedrooms and a bathroom.
Second floor: Stairs lead from the first floor to the loft area, which formerly housed the sleeping accommodation of the vineyard workers. This area provides plenty of space for further bedrooms and bathrooms
Outside: The property is approached by its own driveway that leads to the house from a quiet country lane. The south-east facing terrace on which the house is built forms a large courtyard which features some mature pine trees. This fenced terrace courtyard overlooks the vineyard and could be transformed into a lovely garden area.
Services: Own water and mains water, electricity, easy gas and telephone access.
Sporting facilities: With little traffic and many quiet country lanes, horse-riding is very popular in Southern Piedmont. Tennis facilities can be found in the nearby towns of Nizza Monferrato and Canelli. The nearest golf course, with 27 holes, is in Margara-Felizzano and can be reached within 30 minutes. The beaches of the Riviera are one hour's drive away.
Viewing: Strictly by appointment with the sole agents, Piedmont Properties.
More Pictures are available of this property.
For price information, contact us quoting reference P127.
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