Into the Wild Heart of Monferrato
Bric del Vento
Every ride begins here, on the windy crest above Soglio. The ridge commands a full panorama: Monferrato hills rolling east and west, the Asti plain north, and on the best days an uninterrupted line of Alps. For this longer route, start early to avoid midday heat and to reach the nature reserve while morning light still filters through the trees.
Soglio
The first descent drops you into Soglio, a compact agricultural village at the foot of the Bric del Vento ridge. Stone farmhouses, a Romanesque bell tower and the scent of fermenting must in autumn. The village is your last chance for a coffee before the route heads south and east towards Camerano Casasco.
Camerano Casasco
The second home village of this rental and one of the most rewarding stops. A medieval tower, a 17th-century parish church of San Secondo, and a small enoteca where you can sample the local Grignolino — the signature grape of this stretch of Monferrato. Look for the old communal wash-house (lavatoio) shaded by tall plane trees.
Riserva Naturale Gorghi
Protected Forest Reserve
A protected woodland in the shallow valley between Camerano Casasco and Monale — oak, hornbeam and poplar with a dense understorey. Cool and shaded in summer; outstanding autumn colours.
Monale
Emerging from the reserve, the route climbs gently onto the open ridge where Monale sits: a neat, tidy village with a striking hilltop position and a 17th-century clock tower. Known locally for its Barbera d'Asti. The panorama from the village square — reserve woodland below, vine-covered hills stretching to the horizon — is one of the best views on the route.
Cortadone
A peaceful hamlet in a shallow saddle with a small Baroque chapel — Madonna della Rovere, open on Sunday mornings. The lane out towards Cortanze is one of the most pleasant stretches of riding: narrow tarmac lined with old hazel and oak, rolling gently uphill with almost no traffic.
Cortanze
The medieval castle village deserves a longer stop on this bigger loop. The 12th-century castle complex dominates from its promontory. From here the route turns north, dropping steeply into Soglio before the final climb — this section has the most technical descent of the whole day; check brakes before proceeding.
Soglio to Bric del Vento
Back in Soglio for the second time, 4 km and about 200 m of climbing from the finish. The lane back up is steady — roughly 5% average gradient — but after 40+ km in the legs it will feel like more. Take it slow, spin a small gear, and enjoy the views opening up as you gain the ridge.
