Poggio Ridente

Poggio Ridente is Cecilia Zucca's organic estate on a hilltop at 491 metres, at the edge of Cocconato. She runs it with her husband, the oenologist Luigi Dezzani, and their children Eleonora, Maria Sole and Romolo. The certified-organic vineyards hold Barbera, Albarossa and Nebbiolo, plus three hectares of newer Pinot Nero, Viognier, Sauvignon and Riesling. The range is wide for a small house: Barbera d'Asti 'Vallìa' and the Superiore 'San Sebastiano', Grignolino, Albarossa, a Ruchè, a Viognier and a white blend, a Pinot Nero rosé Brut Nature, a pét-nat Nebbiolo rosé, an orange wine and a vermouth made on that orange wine.

Tastings happen on the Vallìa terrace above the vines, which looks out over the hills towards Piovà Massaia. You book from a set menu. A basic or classic tasting with a board of local products starts at €15, and the premium version is six wines with Luigi. There's also a vineyard walk, a picnic among the rows and e-bike hire. Reviewers single out the view, the family's warmth and the vermouth, and the hosts are comfortable in English.