Farmers and winemakers in the Langhe. Since time immemorial
The history of Azienda Agricola Metilde is deeply rooted in a farming tradition that spans generations. Growing up among the vineyard rows and working in the fields, Mario Sandri has always considered viticulture an integral part of his identity. Earning his diploma in Enology and Viticulture in Alba in 1993 marked a crucial step in deepening his knowledge and strengthening the family business.
Today Mario cultivates 13 hectares of vineyards with passion and respect alongside his mother Metilde, father Pinutin and uncle Osvaldo. This land in the heart of the Langhe produces prestigious grape varieties such as Nebbiolo, Dolcetto, Moscato, and a small production of Favorita, all grown with the utmost respect for nature and terroir.
A Family Story, A Tribute to the Land
In 1995, the family decided to give their business a clear identity, naming it Azienda Agricola Metilde in honor of Mario’s mother—a symbol of strength, dedication, and hospitality, much like this generous land. The winery is not just a a workplace. It is a legacy of values: caring for the vineyards, respecting nature, and pursuing absolute quality in every bottle.
The Value of Time and Craftsmanship
Mario Sandri has chosen a precise path: a niche, meticulous, and respectful production, where every phase in the vineyard and the cellar is guided by listening to nature and the desire to fully express the unique character of the Langhe. Here, wine is made without haste, following the rhythm of the seasons and transforming daily labor into an act of love for the land.
Farming is hard work, a constant commitment that requires patience and dedication. But it is also a great responsibility: taking care of the land means receiving extraordinary gifts in return. And wine, at its core, is exactly that: the fruit of a deep bond with nature and tradition, captured in every glass.
SEREN - Piemonte Moscato Passito DOC
Beyond wine there is art and poetry
The late-harvest Moscato Passito Seren DOCG is a unique Langhe wine.
Following experiences in France and Portugal, in 1997 Mario Sandri set out to experiment and began to leave some grapes “forgotten on the vines”.
Since initial trials carried out on minimal quantities, SEREN has gone on to become the Metilde winery’s stand-out product, extending the time the grapes spend in the vineyard to produce a mould-breaking wine reminiscent of French Sauternes.
Grape variety: 100% moscato bianco.
Vineyards: 20-50 years old, facing south, south-east, south-west in the Madonna di Como district of the municipality of Alba.
Drying on the vines: the task of letting the noble rot Botrytis make its appearance is left to nature.
The late harvest with painstaking selection of the grapes is performed by hand between late October and early December, depending on the vintage.
The slow fermentation using selected yeasts - first in wood and then in steel - lasts as long as 3 to 4 weeks, or even months.
Ageing: following its fermentation, the wine is kept in steel for at least 10 years of ageing until its release in 375ml bottles.
Alcohol content: 12°.
On the nose: an intense bouquet of linden flowers, jasmine, dried figs, cooked quince, acacia honey.
On the mouth: a velvety caress on the palate, with jam and raisin flavours and an aftertaste of white almond and vermouth. Just the right acidity gives it extraordinary appeal.
Pairings: an indulgent treat at the end of a meal or to accompany a delicate dessert, Moscato Seren is a splendid match for tangy blue or very mature cheeses such as PDO Castelmagno or Parmigiano Reggiano aged at least 24 months.
Best served at a temperature of between 10° and 12°C.
NEBBIOLO D’ALBA DOC
Classical character with a distinctive touch
The king of vines in the Langa is without question Nebbiolo, interpreted here by Mario Sandri in the Nebbiolo d’Alba DOC appellation which is made exclusively from Nebbiolo grapes grown in a limited area in the Langhe (25 municipalities on both sides of the River Tanaro).
Grape variety: 100% Nebbiolo.
Vineyards: between 15 and 30 years old, facing south, south-east in the Madonna di Como district of Alba.
Harvested by hand
Fermentation: maceration on the skins for 15 days, fermentation at 30 degrees, malolactic fermentation.
Ageing: in steel for around 18-24 months.
Alcohol content: 13-14°.
Featuring the appellation’s classic antique red colour, Mario Sandri’s Nebbiolo has a bold, clear-cut taste, with elegant, agile tannins.
On the nose: aromas ranging from fruity overtones of raspberry and blackcurrant to wild strawberry, cinnamon and pepper.
On the mouth: long, straightforward, spices, red berries, with big tannins that are well-balanced in the wine’s structure.
Pairings: great throughout a meal, it goes divinely with meat mains and pasta - tajarin and plin to stay local - with a meat sauce, and always a great match for cold cuts and cheeses (best soft and a little fat).
Serving recommended at a temperature of 18°-20°C.
DOLCETTO D’ALBA DOC
Ruby red intensity
There are two different theories on the origin of the name of the dolcetto variety: as “dolce” means sweet in Italian, some say it comes from the taste of the grapes, while others maintain it is the Piedmontese dialect term for the steep hills sloping down towards Alba. However misleading its name may be though, dolcetto is a somewhat demanding vine: it does not take kindly to sudden changes in the temperature, and it loves well-ventilated, stable climates, in particular hillside positions such as those found in the historical district of Madonna di Como, one of the very best places for growing the variety in the local area.
Grape variety: 100% Dolcetto.
Vineyards: 20-40 years old, facing south-east in the Madonna di Como district of Alba.
Picked by hand.
Fermentation: maceration on the skins for 10-15 days at a maximum temperature of 28 degrees, malolactic fermentation; aged in steel for 12 months before bottling, which always takes place during the summer following the harvest.
Alcohol content: 13-14°.
Mario Sandri’s Dolcetto is authentic to the point of being rough around the edges at times. With its unmistakeable ruby red colour with purplish nuances, it is an intense wine with delicate tannins.
On the nose: vinous with intense floral notes of violet, cherry, blackberry and plum.
On the mouth: wild red berries, fresh and easy-drinking, fairly soft, well-balanced with medium structure and a long finish.
Pairings: perfect for a merenda sinoira - early evening aperitifs in Piedmont - accompanying typical local produce: bread and salami, butter and anchovies in green sauce, cheese, fritters, etc.
Serving recommended at a temperature of 17-19°C.
“Terroir and poetry:
that’s how you make wine”
