Until 31 December 2023, it is possible on weekends to visit the Infernots, the small underground cellars carved entirely by hand from Pietra da Cantoni, the typical rock of Monferrato.
Constant temperature and humidity, and the absence of light, ventilation and noise once ensured ideal conditions for storing bottles of the best wine.
Infernots were made in most cases between the second half of the 19th century and the early 20th century by farming families in the area. Therefore, each Infernot is different from the other: With circular, square or rectangular, multi-chamber or corridor floor plan. Bottle housings are continuous planes, tiers or niches; wall finishes can be more or less smooth or natural split. Many have a central table also carved directly into the rock.
The nine municipalities in CORE ZONE UNESCO are those of Camagna M.to, Cella Monte, Frassinello M.to, Olivola, Ottiglio, Ozzano M.to, Rosignano M.to, Sala M.to and Vignale M.to; These are joined by a number of municipalities in UNESCO buffer zones (light pink area in the attached map), including Fubine M.to, Ponzano M.to, Terruggia and Treville.
For more information:
Ufficio IAT Informazioni Turistiche di Casale Monferrato
tel. 0142 444 330, iat.casalemonferrato@alexala.it
ATL Alexala - Azienda Turistica Locale della provincia di Alessandria
tel. 0131 288 095
info@alexala.it
15033 Casale Monferrato AL
Italy