History
Pietro Alighieri and the Casal dei Ronchi estate
The estate history begins in 1353, when Pietro Alighieri, son of Dante Alighieri, acquired the Casal dei Ronchi property in Gargagnago, in the heart of Valpolicella Classica. The property was already known for the quality of its vineyards and remains the centre of the Possessioni Serego Alighieri.
From Alighieri to Serego Alighieri
In 1549, the Alighieri line had only female heirs and married into the powerful Imperial Serego family. From that union the descendants used the double-barrelled Serego Alighieri name.
Agricultural reform and scientific cultivation
In the 16th century, Marcantonio Serego promoted agricultural reform, land reclamation and increased productivity on his estates. From the 18th century, cultivation was treated as both science and art, with attention to identifying the right habitat for each product.
Phylloxera and the Agricultural School
In the 1920s, after phylloxera, Pieralvise Serego Alighieri founded the School of Agriculture in Gargagnago to replant local native grape varieties. The courtyard still contains 11 ancient vines planted in 1875 for the birth of Count Pieralvise; among the few survivors of phylloxera, they produce the Serego Alighieri clone of Molinara.
Masi and the present estate
In 1973 Tenuta Serego Alighieri became one of the prestigious historic Venetian estates under the Masi Group umbrella. Today the property welcomes visitors, showing the spirit of Valpolicella through its courtyard, vineyards, drying loft, historic cellar, hospitality and tasting experiences.
Terroir
Possessioni Serego Alighieri lies in Gargagnago, in the heart of Valpolicella Classica, surrounded by green hills and close to Verona and Lake Garda. The estate centres on Casal dei Ronchi and includes vineyards used for classic Valpolicella grapes. The courtyard contains 11 ancient vines planted in 1875; among the few vines to survive phylloxera, they are connected with the Serego Alighieri clone of Molinara. Vineyards opposite the courtyard produce this Molinara clone, which gives a distinctive personality to the estate wines.
Winemaking
The readable estate material focuses on historical continuity, native Valpolicella varieties and the recovery of local grapes after phylloxera. Corvina, Rondinella and the Serego Alighieri clone of Molinara form the classic red-wine base. No certification, pruning regime, cover-crop programme, irrigation practice or biodiversity protocol is published in the readable pages.
The estate uses Appassimento for the great Valpolicella wines. Corvina, Rondinella and Molinara grapes are laid on bamboo racks called arele in the historic drying loft for at least 100 days before vinification for Amarone and Recioto. MontePiazzo also uses this ancient technique. The historic Serego Alighieri cellar is described as the oldest in Valpolicella. Wines mature with the estate's characteristic use of 600 L cherry-wood barrels, a family tradition that increases smoothness and roundness and emphasizes Valpolicella grape aromas. Oak barrels are also present and are used for the first stages of maturation because cherry wood is very porous and can be used for a maximum of four months.
Philosophy
The estate identity rests on family continuity, Valpolicella Classica, the Alighieri and Serego Alighieri heritage, and the preservation of local varieties and techniques. The wines emphasize the Serego Alighieri clone of Molinara, Appassimento, ancient vineyards and the distinctive use of cherry wood alongside oak.