The flagship wines of the estate are the Barolo and the Barolo Castelletto. Both are produced from grapes grown in the Castelletto cru in Monforte d’Alba, where the winery is located (pictured above); the Barolo from the lower parts of the slope and the cru from the upper parts. Nearby is the Gramolere cru. Castello di Perno’s three hectares have a northern exposure, meaning that the wine may not be labelled Barolo. The result is an ethereal, sumptuous Langhe Nebbiolo. Castello di Perno does own a sliver of the Perno cru itself (made famous by Giuseppe Mascarello’s holdings) but only enough to produce 1200 bottles of Riserva.

The Nizza DOCG is Italy’s pre-eminent source of high quality Barbera today. This variety thrives around the town of Nizza Monferrato, producing concentrated, complex wines. Castello di Perno’s vines are 80 years old. Finally, at 700m altitude in the Alta Langha hills, Castello di Perno produces an elegant, herbal white from the Nascetta variety, the Langhe region’s only native white variety.

For visitors to the winery or region, don’t miss the Gennaro di Pace restaurant, on site by the castello. Gennaro is a brilliant chef from southern Italy and the wine list, is, of course, outstanding.