Moscato Canelli DOCG Sant'Illario

Producer: Ca’ d’Gal

Ca’ d’Gal is a historic winery located on the hills of Valdivilla, a small village in Santo Stefano Belbo, in the heart of the Moscato d’Asti region in Piedmont. The vineyards cover about 8 hectares, with vines up to 70 years old, on light, sandy soils with a southern exposure. This unique terroir contributes to the finesse and aromatic richness of their wines.

The family history of Ca’ d’Gal dates back to the early 20th century, when Giuseppe Gallo – the great-grandfather of the current generation – was already making wine. The name Ca’ d’Gal means “House of the Rooster” in the Piedmontese dialect. In 1990, Alessandro Boido took over and brought a renewed vision to Moscato d’Asti, focusing on low yields, perfect grape ripeness, and introducing crus within Moscato.

Since 2023, Alessandro Varagnolo has joined as the new generation, who together with Boido continues the tradition and innovation. The philosophy of Ca’ d’Gal revolves around respect for the land, sustainable viticulture (integrated pest management), and striving for the highest quality. Harvesting is done exclusively by hand, and no herbicides or pesticides are used. Yields are deliberately kept low to maximize concentration and expression of the terroir.

Ca’ d’Gal is especially known for its Moscato d’Asti, including the iconic “Vite Vecchia” from 70-year-old vines, aged up to 60 months in sand for extra complexity and aging potential. Besides the Sant’Ilario, the Lumine and Vite Vecchia are also produced, each with their own character and gastronomic versatility.

The wines of Ca’ d’Gal are internationally recognized and can be found on wine lists of renowned restaurants worldwide. The combination of tradition, innovation, and terroir makes Ca’ d’Gal one of the most respected producers of Moscato d’Asti.

Region: Piedmont/Asti

Variety: 100% Moscato Bianco

Vintage: 2023

Vinification: Gentle pressing of the grapes in the presence of dry ice, followed by a long maturation on selected yeasts until the following spring after harvest in stainless steel autoclaves at 0 °C. Fermentation then continues at controlled temperatures between 16 and 18 °C until optimal perlage production and an alcohol content of 5% is reached. After bottling, the wine matures further until September of the year following the harvest.

Color: Intense straw yellow with golden reflections

Aroma: On the nose it shows breadth, complexity, and great finesse, thanks to fruity notes of yellow peach and apricot, acacia, and sage.

Taste: The sweetness plays with the acidity and the carbonation provides creamy and persistent bubbles. The long and intense finish contributes to a desirable product, which is excellent for unusual and savory gastronomic pairings.

Food pairings : Asian cuisine, shellfish carpaccio, and all kinds of sweet desserts.

In short, very versatile.

Serving temperature: 8°C-10°C

Drinkability: until 2028

Since Alessandro Varagnolo joined Ca’ d’Gal, much has changed. His modern ideas about making and aging wine are truly impressive! The rising star in Piedmont everyone is already talking about. And rightly so, his Moscato wines are unique and incomparable to other Moscato wines from Piedmont.

The pinnacle of Piedmont in your glass!

Comments Ian D’Agata: 94/100

Bright golden-accented dark yellow. Deep, complex, rich aromas and flavors of hazelnut, bread crumbs, vanilla, pear, yellow apple, and peach, further complicated by hints of sage and rosemary. Very rich and dense, but with good drinkability as it opens with a little aeration, to offer boisterous in-your-face fruit flavors. Made with slightly overripe grapes picked in 70-year-old vineyards planted at 400 meters above sea level, this is at once elegant and powerful leaving a tactile, gently ripe, and mouthcoating sensation behind. Very serious Moscato d’Asti made in the grand cru area of Canelli for the Moscato Bianco variety (in fact, in parts of North America, they still call it Muscat Canelli). Drinking window: 2025-2028.