Powering Round the Piedmont with Maserati and Mövenpick Wines
The beauty of living in Zurich is that so much of Europe is a just drive away. The other week we took off from Zurich to explore the Piedmont region of Italy with Mövenpick wines and Maserati. The object of our mission was to discover and explore beautiful vineyards, producing amazing wine which you can buy in Switzerland through Mövenpick Wines.
We had a fabulous time, going behind the scenes, taking to the wine makers, exploring their cellars and admiring the beautiful vineyards. Oh, and of course, we were lucky enough to enjoy some amazing tastings not just of top quality Italian wine, but of some delightful Grappa too.
Two Different Maseratis
We drove in two different Maseratis – a Maserati Levante and a Maserati Quattroporte saloon. Both cars were beautiful to drive, extremely smooth and comfortable – both as a driver and a passenger – something which is important on a drive of a decent length like this.
Coppo Wines
Our first destination was Coppo Wines which is a UNESCO World Heritage site situated in the town of Canelli. There we met with Francesco Gallino and were shown round the amazing underground cellars. At one point the cellars are an extraordinary 40 metres below ground.
The original cellars were built in the late 18th century and in 1800-1900 they were considerably extended to create the vast caverns they are today, covering an amazing 5,000 square metres. This network of “Underground Cathedrals” represents a temple of wine dedicated to the hard work of the vintner and all those who work in the vineyard.
After our tour we met with Luigi Coppo, a fourth generation member of the family, and enjoyed a tasting of some of their wonderful wines. We tried some great wines, including this sweet white wine below, which was a perfect match for the pannetone. As someone who doesn’t usually like sweet wines I was pleasantly surprised by how delicious it was and how well it went with the dessert.
Coppo Winery
Adress: Via Alba 68, 14053 Canelli
Tel: +39 0141 82 31 46
Visit the Coppo Winery website here.
Take a look at the selection of Coppo wines available at Mövenpick here
Destillerie Berta Grappa
Our next stop was Destillerie Berta Grappa where we were shown round by Giulia Tigrino. It’s open to the public and is a great place to visit as there is plenty to see and do there. As well as a museum there is a shop where you can purchase all types of grappa and grappa infused goodies. (Do make sure to check out the Grappa infused “Amaretti di Mombaruzzo” – they were amazing!)
After a quick tour of the nearby vineyards, we visited the distillery where 5,000 litres of Grappa are stored in French oak casks. The smell was quite intoxicating as you enter the cellars – you really feel enveloped in the aroma of Grappa. The room is quite a spectacle as the Grappa is serenaded with classical music (yes, seriously!) as it matures and there is a colourful light show taking place in the cellars. Apparently these are all factors to help produce the best Grappa possible.
We finally rounded off the visit with a tasting and a spot of shopping.
I’m not a connoisseur of Grappa by any means, but it was interesting to compare the effect of the different levels of maturation on the liqueur. The young Grappa is a pale yellow colour but by the time it gets to 8 years or 10 years it is totally different on the palate. I must say they were all very good but my favourite had to be the 10 year old Grappa which was deliciously smooth and complex.
Destillerie Berta Grappa
Address: Via Guasti Giuseppe 34/36, 14046 Mombaruzzo
Tel: + 39 141 739528
Visit the Destillerie Berta Grappa Website here.
See the selection of Berta Grappa available at Mövenpick here
Relais Villa Prato
Winding our way through the narrow streets of Mombaruzzo we arrived at the beautiful Relais Villa Prato where we enjoyed a wonderful dinner and overnight stay. I only had a short time to enjoy the hotel’s relaxing spa facilities and have a quick swim in the outdoor pool, before it was time for an Apéro on the terrace. We had a totally delicious dinner with lots of local specialities in the charming company of Anna Clara Berta, a member of the Destillerie Berta, along with selected wines from the region to accompany each course. Of course, to round it all off we indulged in some fine Berta Grappa and some traditional Italian sweet treats.
Villa Relais Prato
Address: Via Roma 15, 14046 Mombaruzzo
Tel: +39 141 77003
Visit the Relais Villa Prato website here
Michele Chiarlo Wines
Our final stop was at Michele Chiarlo Wines where Alberto Chiarlo, son of the founder, welcomed us to the family’s cellars and took us though a tutored wine tasting.
The wines were superb and it was an absolute delight to taste them. Alberto explained which vineyards each one was from and the unique qualities of each wine. Michele Chiarlo has approximately 150 hectares where they produce Barbera, Cortese, Nebiolo and Moscato grapes. The success of their wines Alberto said, is due to the wonderful microclimate they enjoy and the favourable conditions of the land.
Next he took us round the cellars, explaining about the history of the cellars themselves and more about the wines and the vineyards. We then sat down to the most amazing Italian lunch which featured regional specialities cooked by an 85 year old local lady, which included Vitella Tonnata, and a stunning spinach and cheese mousse with a cream sauce.
Then it was off to visit the vineyards for a final time. The rolling hills and the trees felt more Tuscany than Piedmont, and it was great to see where the vines are grown to produce some of these really outstanding wine.
All too soon it was time to head back to Zurich leaving the beautiful Italian scenery and sunshine behind.
Michele Chiarlo Wines
Address: Strada Nizza-Canelli 99, 14042 Calamandrana
Tel: + 39 141 769030
Visit the Michele Chiarlo website here.
Visit the Mövenpick Michele Chiarlo Wine Selection here
Piedmont Region of Italy
I highly recommend a trip to this beautiful region of Piedmont in Italy and whilst you’re there do take the opportunity to try these marvellous wines. So that you don’t miss out, you can of course always order them at the Mövenpick store or of course on Mövenpick’s online shop.
For more information on Maserati click herel.
Mövenpick Wine Fair 26th & 27th October 2019
If you would like to taste some great wines in Zurich don’t miss the Mövenpick Wine Fair which is taking place on 26th and 27th October at the Papiersaal in Sihlcity in Zurich. For more information on the Mövenpick Wine Fair click here.
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