Producer Focus: Crotin 1897

Crotin is a wine producing agriturismo in the tiny township of Maretto situated in the rolling hills a few kilometers to the west of Asti. Roads wind along the ridges and only a small amount of viticulture is noticeable - especially in contrast with Roero and the crowded Langhe just to the South. This picture perfect, rural corner of Piedmont sees mixed use these days - for grain farming and as a weekend getaway for the metropolitan residents of Turin.

Before the industrial revolution however, it was a deeply wine oriented area with its hillsides covered in vineyards of local grapes like Barbera, Grignolino, Dolcetto and Freisa. The Crotin family recalls this history, planting and vinifying these traditional grape varieties with terrific results.

Production at Crotin is primarily controlled by brothers Federico (agronomist) and Marcello (wine maker). Of note is the involvement of Marcello’s former classmate, Cristiano Garella, a brilliant young consultant gathering quite a name for rendering local Piemontese grapes with honesty and transparency. With his involvement the wines of Crotin ooze authenticity and drinkability; think vibrant, fresh Barbera (no oak, the way we like it) and a pretty, bitter and lithe Grignolino that is Piedmont in a glass. Soils are a classic combination of clay, limestone and sand - much like the nearby Langhe. At this stage the project is very small with single hectares of Barbera and Grignolino yielding less than 6000 bottles each per vintage.

Ever tried Freisa? Ever tried sparkling Freisa? Crotin's rare version is very much a wine person’s wine. Produced using the tank method, it is searingly dry with razor sharp focus and purity. Enjoy it as an aperitif or match it to a red fruited dessert. But whatever you do, don’t drink it too cold…

Explore the wines of Crotin 1897 through our specially curated pack.