Introduction
Monferrato is a land of vineyards and infernot, where Barbera and black truffle mark the seasons of the festivals.
The area boasts 4 protected-designation products and 3 dishes of the local tradition and 1 UNESCO heritage sites.
Recurring Events
These events take place every year in Monferrato:
Palio di Asti
Terza domenica di settembreAsti · Dal 1275
Il più antico palio d'Italia con corsa di cavalli e corteo storico.
Douja d'Or
SettembreAsti · Dal 1967
Salone nazionale dei vini selezionati abbinato a eventi culturali.
Festival delle Sagre
Seconda domenica di settembreAsti · Dal 1974
Oltre 40 Pro Loco del territorio cucinano piatti tipici in piazza.
Fiera del Cardo Gobbo
Novembre-DicembreNizza Monferrato
Celebrazione del cardo gobbo, verdura pregiata del Monferrato.
PDO, PGI and local products
The protected-designation products of Monferrato represent the excellence of the area:
A lively and full-bodied red wine, the most widespread in Piedmont.
A light red wine with tannic character, an indigenous Monferrato vine variety.
A sweet and aromatic red wine, perfect with desserts.
Crumbly cookies with a curved shape, invented in 1878 by pastry chef Domenico Rossi.
What to eat in Monferrato
Ravioli filled with braised beef stewed in Barbera wine.
Local variation featuring cardo gobbo from Nizza Monferrato.
Risotto finished with the typical red wine of Monferrato.
Traditions & Culture
Italy's oldest documented palio (1275), a horse race between city neighborhoods.
A fair dedicated to the prized black truffle of Monferrato.
UNESCO Heritage
The hills of Monferrato are part of the UNESCO site dedicated to Piedmont's wine landscapes.
Historical Figures
Born in Castelnuovo Don Bosco in Monferrato in 1815, founder of the Salesians.
Noble house that ruled Monferrato for centuries, leaving behind a heritage of castles.
Local Communities
The festivals and events in Monferrato are organized by Pro Loco associations and local groups that safeguard the area's traditions:
Curiosities
“The Palio di Asti is Italy's oldest palio, with documentation dating back to 1275.”
“Monferrato is home to over 100 castles, among the best preserved in Piedmont.”
“The cardo gobbo of Nizza Monferrato is buried in soil to blanch it and make it tender.”
Frequently Asked Questions
1What PDO and PGI products are found in Monferrato?expand_more
Monferrato is home to 4 protected designation products, including: Barbera d'Asti (DOCG), Grignolino del Monferrato Casalese (DOC), Brachetto d'Acqui (DOCG), and Krumiri di Casale Monferrato (PAT).
2What should I eat in Monferrato?expand_more
Typical Monferrato dishes include: Agnolotti monferrini, Bagna càuda monferrina, and Risotto al Grignolino. Each dish tells the story of the region's gastronomic heritage.
3What UNESCO heritage sites are in Monferrato?expand_more
Monferrato is home to 1 UNESCO heritage site: Piedmont Wine Landscapes: Langhe-Roero and Monferrato (Cultural, 2014).
4What are the most famous festivals in Monferrato?expand_more
Among the most important festivals and events in Monferrato: Palio di Asti (Asti, third Sunday in September); Douja d'Or (Asti, September); Festival delle Sagre (Asti, second Sunday in September); Fiera del Cardo Gobbo (Nizza Monferrato, November-December).
5Who organizes the festivals in Monferrato?expand_more
Festivals in Monferrato are organized by local communities such as Pro Loco Nizza Monferrato, Consorzio Barbera d'Asti and Vini del Monferrato. These Pro Loco associations are the guardians of the region's gastronomic traditions.