Costigliole d'Asti Castle, once the seat of Virginia Oldoini Verasis, Countess of Castiglione, who made it famous on account of her liaison with Napoleon III and the mysterious "nuit de Compiegne", is now the home of the local wine centre representing the oenological produce of the Asti district. The cellars of this 18th-century manor have been restored with the help of the Asti Chamber of Commerce and the Asti Wines Promotion Board. They hold wines selected each year at the "Douja d'Or" (golden flagon), a national wine fair held at Asti in early September. An adjoining resturant offers dishes characteristic of the area that go well with Barbera and Grignolino d'Asti. The "piano nobile" ("master" floor) of the castle has a permanent exhibition of wine humour.
Last updated 04-Jul-97
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