Castel Crescente, known locally as “I Monti,” sits on 16 hectares of land shaped by centuries of history. The property lies in the ancient bed of the Panaro River and still follows the Roman system of “centurie,” with four raised knolls marking the remains of an ancient Roman encampment. Documented as far back as the 1200s, the farm belonged to some of the region’s most important families and was once retained by the Duke of Modena because of its unusually distinctive soil and terroir.
In 2010, my father purchased the property simply because of its beauty and uniqueness. Only later, after learning more about its history and the geological character of the land, did he decide to plant a vineyard. When I discovered the story as a young student, it inspired my own path: I knew I wanted to become a viticulturist and winemaker, continuing the story of this remarkable land.