Rosso della Motta (2020) - Castello di Castellengo

In the heart of Piedmont, among the hills of Biella, stands the Castello di Castellengo, a place steeped in history and mystery. It is here that Rosso della Motta is born, a wine that speaks of old traditions and local legends. The story goes that in the Middle Ages the castle was a refuge for wandering knights who, after long battles, would gather in its cellars to enjoy the wine made from Croatina grapes. This robust, hardy variety was seen as a symbol of strength and rebirth, much like the knights who drank it. Today Rosso della Motta carries that legacy forward, bringing past and present together in every sip.

The appellation: Table wine

Table wine, or more correctly today wine without an appellation, is the simplest and freest category in the wine world. It does not fall within the official IGP, DOC or DOCG classifications, and for this reason it is not subject to production rules, compulsory geographical areas or regulations on grape varieties and yields. But take care: this does not automatically mean low-quality wine. On the contrary, many artisan and natural producers deliberately choose this category so they can experiment, innovate or avoid regulatory constraints, offering unique wines that break the mould.

What to eat with Rosso della Motta

Who makes it: Castello di Castellengo

Castello di Castellengo is a winery in the heart of the Biella area, in Piedmont, Italy. This historic winery sits in an enchanting landscape, where winegrowing tradition blends with innovation, creating wines that tell the story and culture of the area. The philosophy of Castello di Castellengo rests on a deep respect for nature and for traditional winemaking techniques. Every bottle is the result of careful work in the vineyards, where native and international varieties are grown, chosen to give the best expression of the Piedmontese soil and climate.

The vine of Rosso della Motta

Croatina

Croatina is a black grape variety native to northern Italy, grown mainly in Lombardy (above all in the Oltrepò Pavese) and in eastern Piedmont, where it is often confused with the Piedmontese Bonarda (which is in fact Uva Rara). It is a generous, rustic grape, valued for its richness of colour, its fruity profile and its ability to give lively, fresh and convivial wines, but also more structured and long-lived reds when vinified with care.

Rosso della Motta: the area of Biella

Climate: Continental

Altitude: Low to mid altitude (200–500 m above sea level)

Soil: Limestone / chalk

Geographical setting: Hilly

Profile of Rosso della Motta

Primary aromas: Ripe red fruit, Violet

Secondary aromas: Wood, Spices

Tertiary aromas: Leather, Tobacco

Tasting notes: An elegant red wine with notes of ripe red fruit and spice, well-integrated tannins and a persistent finish.