Storia
Origins in the Astigiano
Ricossa originated in the Astigiano area in the early 1900s. The name preserves the memory of Lorenzo Ricossa, the innovator credited with creating the brand more than a century ago. His name continues to serve as a signature connecting the contemporary portfolio with its origins and pioneering identity.
A new home at Ca’ dei Mandorli
In 2015, Ricossa established its home at the Ca’ dei Mandorli estate in Castel Boglione, in Monferrato Astigiano. The property encompasses 74 hectares of vineyards arranged as a natural amphitheatre and planted predominantly with Barbera. The estate became the physical centre of Ricossa’s contemporary interpretation of Piedmont and its traditional varieties.
The Barbera Appassimento project
The Barbera Appassimento project emerged during an exceptionally hot, drought-affected summer that placed much of Piedmontese wine production under pressure. Barbera demonstrated particular resilience in these conditions. Ricossa responded by applying appassimento to this traditional Piedmontese variety and identifies itself as the first producer to vinify Barbera using the method. The project subsequently became a distinct part of the portfolio.
Contemporary identity
Ricossa now presents an interpretation of the principal wine territories of Langhe, Roero and Monferrato. Its portfolio is organized into three lines: Ricossa Cellar, devoted to traditional expressions of Piedmontese wine types; Ricossa Appassimento, centred on the unconventional appassimento interpretation of Barbera; and Lorenzo Ricossa, a founder-named line connecting innovation with the origins of the brand.
Terroir
Ricossa’s home is the Ca’ dei Mandorli estate in Castel Boglione, within Monferrato Astigiano in Piedmont. Its 74 hectares of vineyards form a natural amphitheatre and are planted predominantly with Barbera.
The broader geographic identity encompasses the Piedmontese territories of Langhe, Roero and Monferrato. Their geological setting combines ancient marine sediments with clay, limestone and sandstone, creating different mineral and nutrient profiles across the winegrowing areas.
The vineyard landscapes of Langhe, Roero and Monferrato were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2014 in recognition of their cultural importance, landscape and long winegrowing tradition.
Vinificazione
Respect for the land, natural rhythms and production cycles is central to Ricossa’s approach. The individuality of each vineyard and its relationship with the surrounding land guide the interpretation of the territory. Responsible cultivation is linked to the preservation of Piedmont’s agricultural and cultural inheritance for future generations, while research, development and innovation are treated as tools for addressing current challenges and identifying future solutions.
An enological team works with specialists throughout the supply chain to interpret the territories of Langhe, Roero and Monferrato. The production approach combines the preservation of Piedmontese traditions with research and innovation, while respecting natural rhythms, established production patterns and the recognized identities of the region’s wines.
The Ricossa Cellar line represents the more traditional side of this approach, focusing on established Piedmontese wine types and their customary identities. The Ricossa Appassimento line embodies its experimental dimension: after Barbera showed resilience during an exceptionally hot and drought-affected summer, the appassimento method was applied to the variety as a new interpretation of a Piedmontese tradition.
Filosofia
Ricossa defines its identity through Piedmont, particularly Langhe, Roero and Monferrato. Its objective is to translate the energy, people and wine culture of these territories into an accessible interpretation of established Piedmontese wine traditions.
Its philosophy combines respect for the land and natural cycles, recognition of each vineyard’s individuality and connection with its soil, and the use of research and innovation to address present and future challenges. The preservation of Piedmont’s agricultural and cultural inheritance for later generations is a central principle.
Tradition functions as a framework for both continuity and experimentation. The Ricossa Cellar range retains established Piedmontese identities, while the Ricossa Appassimento and Lorenzo Ricossa lines emphasize unconventional thinking and the pioneering character associated with Lorenzo Ricossa.