Cecilia Monte
Within the Langa district, where stories are often centred around men, Cecilia Monte stands out as a winegrower from Neive—one of the rare women among the acclaimed figures of Piedmontese winemaking excellence.
After finishing university in 2000, Cecilia chose to take over direct management of her family’s estate, situated in a beautiful yet lesser-known corner of the prestigious Neive area. Instead of continuing to supply grapes to local cooperatives, she began a new chapter by vinifying her own grapes and bottling wine under her own label. Her father Paolo, who remains actively involved in the business, inspired and encouraged her with the same passion he felt when he first embarked on this challenging but fascinating journey. In recognition of his influence, a Barbaresco wine is dedicated to him, made from his favourite vineyard rows.
The Serracapelli cru, located at the northern boundary of the Barbaresco DOCG, sits about 300 metres above sea level. This area, still largely unexplored and rich in natural biodiversity, forms the backdrop and vine heritage for Cecilia’s work.
Wines produced from this unique strip of land display a range of notable characteristics: a refreshing balsamic nuance that adds depth of flavour, and a structure that is never overwhelming. While these wines may seem somewhat introverted in their youth, they possess remarkable potential for ageing.