Rosalba Borello Vallarino Gancia has two great passions, the real estate of Monferrato, Langhe and Roero and wine. Houses and ciabots, castles and prestigious residences have been at the center of his entrepreneurial activity for 25 years. He discovered and navigated the world of wine together with “his son” Vittorio, the captain of Italian sparkling wine who passed away in 2022, at the age of 90. Theirs was a “boundless” love lasting 27 years; many projects cultivated until the last moment, such as the vines planted around the Viatosto estate, home and farm. From 5 hectares of Nebbiolo and 1 hectare of Merlot, the production of wines and sparkling wines has started and is growing slowly, because things done well take time. Like the organic bubbles of the Vittorio cuvée, the sparkling wine of the Torre, the last toast of Vittorio and Rosalba.
From the balcony of Viatosto the city is a profile of towers, churches and buildings. What do you think of Asti?
«Simply beautiful, elegant. I have in my memory postcard views like the stretch of Corso Alfieri that goes from the Torre Rossa to the classical high school. When the work on Palazzo Ottolenghi is finished that area will be even more beautiful. But not only. There are neighborhoods that are historically popular but are loved as communities for this very reason, like Torretta.”
What doesn’t work or should be improved?
«The Asti I would like is the one I know, but with something more: a greater sense of team, greater benevolence from one towards the other. The attitude I hope for has nothing to do with condescension or do-goodism. I am thinking of entrepreneurship: those who take risks should be encouraged because investments contribute to the wealth and stability of the territory.”
Shaded areas in the city?
«We have many historical containers looking for an author, for a new vocation. I’m thinking of the former hospital: I don’t have the expertise to say what it could or should become but certainly its recovery would bring new life to a large portion of the city. This is also the case for former abandoned industrial sites in the province, from the former Gallareto mill to the former Montechiaro caramel factory. Well, if I were to make a proposal, I would clearly see Asti as a “metropolitan city” that starts from the capital to embrace the entire province. A single body that moves in a coordinated way, with shared objectives: the capital, closely united with the North and South of the Province. As Menenius Agrippa said, the body survives if all the members collaborate in general health.”
You are in daily contact with Italians and foreigners interested in buying a house in Monferrato. What do they say about Asti?
«They love the city and its countryside. Problems such as incoming and outgoing traffic, which we Asti people experience badly, are not so relevant for those arriving from big cities. In their vision, the positive sides far outweigh the inconveniences.”
Do you like the countryside more than the city?
«We have sold small and large houses in villages and in the open countryside to those looking for silence and tranquility, but there are again many young couples who also have life plans in the city. Smart working, artisanal trades and liberal professions are seen as a great opportunity to reconcile life and work in less stressful contexts more suitable for raising children. I’m thinking of couples in their thirties who are looking to their future, permanently together, it’s a good sign!
There are also many empty shop windows: what do you think?
«I’m used to seeing the glass half full. They tell me that I believe in fairies, but I’m not a romantic, I’m simply used to picking up positive signs, and I see them around.”
Can you give an example?
«There are investments underway in the commercial area. I can anticipate that there is a restaurant project in Piazza Italia, a beautiful initiative curated by young entrepreneurs in the sector.”
What could be done for young people?
«Asti deserves to be a fully-fledged branch of the university faculty of Agriculture, expanding and consolidating existing courses. The Penna agricultural institute is an excellent resource, it would be useful to create a direct connection with other post-diploma specializations, here with us, up to graduation. And then “training training training” for young Italians and foreigners.”
Asti promoted for?
«The growing passion for the world of wine and its culture. For initiatives from Passepartout to the internationally important exhibitions of Palazzo Mazzetti. A further effort should be made to deseasonalize the tourist offer.”
