The ancient relationship between Croatina and Cisterna d’Asti
Known in our territory as Bonarda from Cisterna d’Asti, it is present in our territory from time immemorial. In some vineyards we can still see Croatina ungrafted vines (normally since the 1890s, varietals are grafted onto stronger root stocks to avoid disease) for one hundred years. Historical documents witness the cultivation of Croatina (always mentioned as Bonarda) for 200 years. It is easy to recall G. Casalis, who, at the beginning of 1800, told about the good reputation of Bonarda, Barbera, Nebbiolo produced in the area, or Bartolomeo Olivetti, who in 1833 “praised” Bonarda wine at Vila Stalone (Villastellone). The name Bonarda has caused a lot of misunderstanding as this grape should not be confused with Bonarda Piemontese cultivated north of Asti, in the area called Castelnuovo Don Bosco. This coincidence of names, which could confuse the consumers, has been overcome with a new denomination of origin, where the name Bonarda has been abandoned in place of Croatina and the wine has received the name of the territory of choice: CISTERNA d’ASTI doc.
Dragone Cisterna d’asti doc is obtained by the vine grape Croatina cultivated in the vineyards of Piccaliera, an area particularly suitable for Cisterna d’Asti, a mono-cultivar wine, produced 100% by Croatina grapes.