The Schiavenza company acts in the territory of Serralunga d'Alba since 1956. The firm started by the brothers Vittorio and Ugo Alessandria is now managed by the son-in-law Luciano Pira, agronomist and celiar man, aided by the wife

Maura and by the brother-in-law Walter. In the past the farm and the surrounding lands were owned by the Opera Pia Barolo; the work was made by sharecroppers called "schiavenza": from which derives the curious company's name.

Actually the company extend itself on eight hectares of vineyards in the territory of Serralunga d'Alba; it owns moreover 15.240 m2 in the village of Monforte d'Alba in the Perno hamlet. From these esteemed lands the company produces red wine of excelent quality following an artisan making.

The firm production aims only at the reds; die Dolcetto d'Alba in the basic models, "Sorì" and "Vughera" that distinguish themselves thanks to their full-bodied taste and richness in tannins; the Barbera d'Alba traditionally produced from the grapes of the young vineyard located in the Perno hamlet in the village of Monforte d'Alba; the Langhe Nebbiolo, 100% Nebbiolo grapes; a Barolo obtained from the mix of Nebbiolo grapes picked up in differently exposed vineyards in the village of Serralunga d'Alba and three selections from the vineyards "Broglio", "Prapò" and "Bricco Cerretta"; in the end the Barolo Chinato, an aromatic wine obtained from an ancient family recipe. The company owns a restaurant where people can taste the Schiavenza wines joined with the best dishes of the Langhe cooking.

The Trattoria Cascina Schiavenza is located in the heart of Serralunga d'Alba, within walking distance from the stately castle behind the village church. Passing though the entrance gate and the gardens you will be guided to a welcoming terrace, where you can enjoy a wonderful panorama opening up over the Langhe hills. From there you will look over a endless wineyards, spread on a carpet of green hills and sorrounded by nice and tiny villages. The small dining room, obtained from the adjoining wine cellar, looks very simple and sober. Mum Lucia and her daughter Maura prepare typical dishes of rich tradition of the Langhe in the kitchen.
These specialities are being served by the other daughter Enrica and by granddaughter Emanuela. The meal will start with some traditional entrees: vitello tonnato (boiled veal very thin sliced, served with homemade tuna-mayonnaise); salad of cockerel; raw beef meat prepared with olive oil, lemon, salt and pepper; caspicum served either with "bagna cauda" (warm souce made of garlic and anchovies) or with a delicate tuna mousse, insalata russa (seasonal vegatables boiled with mayonnaise dressing); "capunet" (fried zucchini flowers filled with veal and vegatables); and crepes filled with seasoal vegetables, asparagus, artichokes or mushrooms. By tradition the first courses are the "tajarin" (thin and light homemade noodles) pressed with the rolling pin and sliced on hand served with ragu' sauce, and the "ravioli al plin" (homemade ravioli prepared with a thin pastry and filled with roasted meats and vegetables). As second courses you can taste: veal meat braise in Barolo wine, guinea-fowl cooked with herbs; rabbit with caspicums; bollito (boiled meat); or fritto misto (mixture of fried meats and vegetables, only made on order). For a perfect finish you may enjoy from the following desserts:"bunet" (chocolat and haselnuts pudding); "panna cotta" (creamy sugary pudding); haselnut cake served with zabaione of Barolo (mixture og eggs yolks, sugar and Barolo wine beaten over a gentle heat); peaches filled with macaroon; Madernassa pears cooked in red wine and served with cinnamon ice cream; vanilla ice cream served with Barolo chinato. Of course, the wine list offers the full range of own grown wines of Cascina Schiavenza together with those of the main producers of Serralunga. A tasting menu comprising 3 entrees, a taste of 2 first and of 2 second courses and dessert, together with table water and coffee is 30 EUR, excluding wines.
The restaurant is closed on Tuesdays, Sunday evenings and on public holidays evenings.
Pre-booking is much appreciated.
The Trattoria is closed for holidays in January and from mid July until mid August.