A network of picturesque hill-top villages in the province of Asti, the Monferrato district has long been home to some of Piemonte's most elegant wines. The growers here have proven that the zone's terroir has the versatility to produce a variety of great wines. Some of Italy's greatest examples of Barbera can be found here, but the area is also home to several ancient varieties that deserve greater attention. The most important of these grapes are Grignolino and (produced in a more limited geographical area) Ruche.