Castello di Perno, located in the hamlet of Monforte d’Alba since 1932, was originally constructed as a defensive fortress by the influential Falletti family during the medieval period. Over time, it was transformed into a residential estate between the 17th and 18th centuries. In the late 1970s, the castle became the property of Giulio Einaudi, one of Italy’s most prominent publishers and the founder of the Einaudi publishing house. Under his ownership, the castle served as a literary hub for iconic Italian writers, including Primo Levi, in whose honor the small square beneath the castle was recently dedicated.

Since 2012, the castle has been owned by Gregorio Gitti, a professor of civil law at the University of Milan and a practicing lawyer in the Lombard capital. The Gitti family’s vision for the property serves a dual purpose: to restore the castle as a cultural home, hosting contemporary art exhibitions and creating a space for artistic experiences, from music to literature; and to establish a remarkable winemaking project in the nearby Castelletto vineyard. The family’s wine production is centered on producing high-quality, distinctive, and well-balanced wines, particularly their outstanding Barolo, which is made from grapes grown in the prestigious vineyards of Perno and Castelletto.

Castello di Perno’s wine philosophy blends classic winemaking traditions with a contemporary vision, resulting in wines that emphasize elegance, freshness, and drinkability. Their Barolo DOCG wines, made from carefully hand-selected Nebbiolo grapes, are aged in Austrian oak barrels, allowing the wine to refine and develop its unique character. The estate’s viticulture is fully certified organic, with 14 hectares of vineyards spread across prime locations in Monforte d’Alba, including the Crus of Perno, Castelletto, and Gramolere. The winery also produces Dolcetto d’Alba, Barbera d’Asti DOCG, Nizza DOCG, Langhe Nascetta DOC, and sparkling wines from Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grown in the Alta Langa region.