About Cascina Desderi



Outside
The property is well over 6 hectars/15 acres, divided into 1.5 hectare with Barbera vines and a little forest – “bosco” – here we hope to find truffles in the fall. In addition are pastures and meadows that may be planted with fruit or nut trees, or even more vines. Since the grape production in Italy is supposed to be constant (by law), one has to buy a permit from the government when wanting to extend one’s vineyard. We still have one hectare left in a south and western exposure, as this is extremely important to continue to produce a DOC wine. The farmyard is app. a third of a hectare. As the spring is just around the corner, we will soon start to plant trees, bushes and hedges. There will most definitely be a large flower garden, and the terraces will be sheltered and secluded by shrubs and bushes while the giant chestnut trees in the farmyard we will do everything to keep and preserve.

Surrounding the property is an abundance of lanes, footpaths and tracks – excellent for walking, hiking and biking. If you choose to bike around the area – the scenery is ever changing as you bike up and down hills and slopes, in and out of medieval villages and hilltop towns with impressive cathedrals and fortresses and castles. Regardless where the bike takes you, you will always get a ristorante, osteria or pizza shack in sight – and the most anonymous little trattoria may offer you a culinary delight and local wine beyond comparison.

Pool:
In the middle of the yard, with views towards south and west we will build a swimming pool. As these lines are written, we are still waiting for the permit to be approved by the city hall, we do, however, hope that the measures will be 15 m x 8 m. The pool will be the Infinity type, so when you float in it you see the horizon and the Monferrato hills without any obstructive edges. A Jacuzzi will be part of the pool. The pool will be open from April (not in 2004, we hope for completion by July 1) to September.

History:
We know that the oldest house on the property is from the turn of the last century; from year 1800 and thus being more than 200 years old. The house is quite typical of the time; the farmer’s quarters occupy one end of the house while the stable, barn, shed and hayloft would be in the opposite end. The name itself, Desderi, derives from the word desiderio, which can be translated to a strong wish… even desire or passion. We really liked the name and saw no reason to change it; we hope that lots of potential visitors wish to visit, and that they eventually will feel a desire and passion for our wine. We do not know much about the family from whom we bought the farm, other that the family name is Caviglia, and that the two brothers Adriano and Gino have lived here most of their lives, at times with their sister. When we get an opportunity, we will meet with them and learn more about the farm and its history.