From History to Gastronomy: Why Costigliole d’Asti Should Be Your Next Destination
Costigliole d’Asti represents an excellent meeting point between Monferrato and Langhe in southern Piedmont. The renowned urban center is just 15 km from Asti and fits into the voluptuousness of a landscape, that of Astesana, which alternates with exemplary harmony a hilly landscape, the alpine backdrop, and wide expanses of hazelnut groves, gaggie, and vineyards within a scattered ensemble of ciabot, vegetable gardens, fields, greenhouses, and small villages of high historical lineage.
Costigliole d’Asti itself boasts a very long history, beginning in 1041. From medieval fiefdom, there was a gradual evolution that later made it the possession of the Asinari, a coveted urban core under the aegis first of the Savoy and later of an unresolved multiplicity of lineages, so as to finally return to the original owners, the Asinari. To them, we owe today the dual nature of Costigliole: an epicenter of viticulture (this Wine City boasts the largest number of hectares under vine and over seven hundred wineries scattered throughout the municipal area) and a parallel gem of tourism.
The Wines of Costigliole d’Asti
Focusing specifically on the nectar of Bacchus, we locate in the 19th-century Town Hall the Cantina dei Vini – Enoteca del Barbera, an environment shared by forty native producers who also specialize in the distillation of grappa, really excellent in these parts. The absolute protagonist remains, in any case, the quintessential Piedmontese wine, Barbera, to which the November kermesse Barbera, the Taste of the Territory is dedicated. The Barbera Museum: Landscape and Rural Civilization corresponds to a detailed focus on this product, from the analysis of the soil in which the vines grow to the development of fermentation.
The Castle of Costigliole d’Asti
The area, vineyards aside, is rich with the remains of old manor houses, crowned by the Castle of Costigliole d’Asti, made beautiful and fascinating by its fairy-tale towers and elegant rooms. This was once the residence of the Countess of Castiglione, who expanded the structure with walkways, gardens, and a scenic park.
What to See in Costigliole d’Asti
The Parish Church of Our Lady of Loreto, built in the 19th century, stands elegantly on one side of the fortress and is the symbol of the Rocca. Built in a Baroque Renaissance style, it houses some valuable works, including a 2,000-pipe organ by Carlo Bossi, sacred frescoes by Lorenzo Peretti and Michelangelo Pittatore, and a marble altar with a gilded wooden antependium.
The Church of the Confraternity of St. Jerome houses the Museum of Sacred Art. Other notable landmarks include the Castle of Burio, the ruins of La Motta along the road to Damiano d’Asti, and the surviving remains of Cavorro and Bricco Lù.
Events and Festivals
In addition to events dedicated to Barbera wine, Costigliole hosts several annual festivals:
- Calici sotto le stelle on August 10, featuring delicacies like eel, roast beef, and sweet focaccia with hazelnut cream.
- The Ravioli al Plin Festival, showcasing the region’s culinary mastery.
- The Grand Carnival Costigliolese and the Costigliole Square Motta Pepper Fair.
How to Get to Costigliole d’Asti
Take the A21 motorway to Asti Est, then follow the SS 231 toward Alba. Exit at Isola d’Asti, and at the roundabout, take the SP 59 to the village. The Motta hamlet station is located on the Castagnole delle Lanze–Asti line. Turin-Caselle Airport is about 68 km from the village.
Where to Eat and Stay
- Eat: Experience authentic Piedmontese cuisine at Ristorante La Barbera, located in the historic center. Renowned for its seasonal menu and local ingredients.
- Stay: Enjoy a luxurious stay at Relais Il Cascinale, a charming agriturismo offering stunning vineyard views and gourmet dining.
