The Agricola Montalbera farm was born at the beginning of the twentieth century in an area between the municipalities of Grana, Castagnole Monferrato and Montemagno. By the mid-1980s, the Morando family adopted a policy of expansion not yet completed, with the acquisition of adjacent land and the direct planting of new vineyards, predominantly Ruchè. Today, the farm is surrounded by vineyards of a single-circular shape, entirely hilly, with different exposures and soils ranging from clay to limestone. One of the peculiarities that always distinguishes Montalbera in the Piedmontese landscape is to be a reality between the two large wine areas of Piedmont: the Monferrato and the Langhe.
In the Monferrato the vineyards cover six hills, while in the valley there is the cultivation of typical Piedmont hazelnuts. Vineyards vary from 7 to 30 years old, the cultivation form is the low guyot and every cultivation operation is done by hand. 82 hectares are planted in Ruchè, corresponding to 60% of the total name. Other varieties are Barbera d'Asti, Grignolino and Viognier. In the Langhe 15 hectares of vineyards in a single plot, placed at 408 m.s.l and planted in Moscato d'Asti. The roots of the Morando family leave from here.
The Wine Competition of the School of Ethics of Higher Education and Advanced Training "Leonardo" has awarded the Italian Quality Award Il Ruchè di Castagnole Monferrato DOCG 2019.
The Merano Wine Hunter 2020 has awarded the following wines: Nuda Barbera d'Asti Superiore DOCG 2016 (Gold Award), Lanfora Grignolino d'Asti 2017 (Red Award) and Nudo Langhe DOC 2018 (Red Award).
The 27th Great International Wine Award MUNDUS VINI 2020 awarded: Lequilibrio Barbera d'Asti DOCG Superiore 2018 (Gold Award).
The International Wine & Spirit Competition awarded: Ruchè di Castagnole Monferrato Laccento 2019 with 88 points (Bronze Award), Barbera d'Asti Superiore Lequilibrio 2016 with 91 points (Silver Award), Barbera d'Asti Superiore Nuda 2016 with 90 points (Silver Award).
Luca Gardini awarded Ruchè di Castagnole Monferrato DOCG La Tradizione 2019 with 95 points.
The following products received the Quality Price Award in Gambero Rosso's Berebene 2024:
- Ruchè di Castagnole Monferrato DOCG LACCENTO 2022
- Ruchè di Castagnole Monferrato DOCG LA TRADIZIONE 2022