The history of the Monferrato area and that of the Marchesi Incisa della Rocchetta, a family whose origins date back to before the eleventh century, are very closely linked, since the legendary creation of Aleramo's Marquisate. For centuries the family has owned vineyards and produced its own wine, an activity probably started by the Benedectine monks who were granted the right, by the Incisa, to plant vines on the hills of the Rocchetta Tanaro fief. Traces of their presence are still to be seen in the S.Emiliano votive chapel, which stands in a vineyard bearing the very same name, and still owned by the family after so many centuries.
In the nineteenth century, the Marchese Leopoldo Incisa (1792-1871), member of the Royal Academy of Agriculture of Turin, made significant contributions to the furthering of knowledge in the fields of oenology and grape varieties of the period.
In the wake of this tradition, the Marchesi Incisa della Rocchetta continue to apply scientific research and technological innovation to enhance the quality of their wines and to safeguard the environment. It is no coincidence that some of the family's best vineyards are to be found within the Rocchetta Tanaro Natural Park area, created by the Marchese Mario Incisa (1899-1983), founder and president of World Wildlife Fund Italy.
The vineyards, with their magnificent exposure on the hills surrounding Rocchetta Tanaro and within the Natural Park, are tended with environmental-friendly techniques and according to low yields per hectare.
The grape harvest is strictly carried out by hand in order to enhance and exalt the qualitative and organoleptic differences of the grapes coming from individual vineyards. The wine-making process, once carried out in the cellars of the Castle itself, has now been transferred to the Corte Chiusa, an ancient building owned by the Incisa family in the historical centre of Rocchetta Tanaro.
Renovated in strict accordance with its original architectural characteristics, today the Corte Chiusa is a technologically advanced winery for the production and ageing of wines in large oak barrels or in French barriques. Constant control of the vinification and ageing stages allow for very high quality wines.
Within easy reach of the Swiss border and of the major North Italian cities (see map), the Corte Chiusa offers its house facilities, four independent bedrooms, for those who wish to spend a weekend, or longer, relaxing on the Monferrato hills.
The area offers so many different forms of attraction that even the most demanding or those who simply wish to relax will be amply satisfied in their requests. Nature lovers can visit the Rocchetta Tanaro Natural Park on foot, on bicycles or on horseback, to discover rare trees and plants and local fauna. For those who love sports there are tennis courts, a golf course (Golf Club Margara), horseback riding and bicycle routes on the neighbouring hills, offering breathtaking scenery.
The Corte Chiusa offers the following housing facilities:
4 independent bedrooms (twins and doubles) each one with its own bathroom; kitchen and common room to be shared.
We are now offering residential cooking courses (from just a weekend up to a week-long stay) to all those who wish to experience the Monferrato countryside, discover one of the best cooking region in Italy and taste some of the finest Italian wines.
Our hands-on cooking courses are suitable for all levels (from beginners to professionals). Courses will be held here in the relaxed and classic environment of La Corte Chiusa where a large fully equipped kitchen provides facilities and space to cook and learn.
The courses have been designed for small groups in order to provide maximum attention to individual needs. No experience of cooking is necessary, just a willingness to have fun.
A professional chef will take you through the preparation of our best traditional recipes. The menus will then be tasted together along with a selection of fine Italian wines and rare grappas.
Do not hesitate to contact us via email or fax for more information on courses and prices. We look forward to having you as our guest at La Corte Chiusa.