Big Bench #021 - Strevi, from the Marenco Estate

Access

Exit the motorway junction at Alessandria Sud and turn right. Take the provincial road and follow it for 20 kilometres, passing the village of Cassine, until you reach a roundabout just before Strevi. Take the first exit and continue in the direction of Strevi for another 17 kilometres. At the crossroads, turn right towards Giarino. Follow the municipal road for 1.3 kilometres until you reach a small road that goes up the Valle Bagnario. Keep to the right following the signs for Panchina Gigante until you reach the Marenco Estate. Continue uphill for a short distance to the top of the Bricco; turn left and park 🅿️ in the grassy clearing near the access barrier to the Bricco Scrapera.

Distance and travelling time

🕒 Travelling time: 24 minutes
📏 Distance: 24.50 km

GPS navigation

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ℹ️ Important note

The information provided has been verified as of the date of the survey of the itinerary. Before departure, it is advisable to check for any changes to the route. For up-to-date and detailed directions, we recommend the use of Google Maps or Apple Maps.

Introduction

It was an unforgettable day, the one dedicated to discovering the giant yellow bench of Strevi, immersed in the vineyards that give life to fine wines such as Moscato Passito di Strevi DOC and Brachetto Passito Acqui DOCG. This large installation, which arrived here a year ago in a romantic helicopter transport and was immediately renamed the 'Friendship Bench', celebrates the area's wine excellence with its bright colour. After a pleasant stop at the wine cellar of our friend Silvio Bragagnolo, where we tasted some of the best passito wines of the area, a short walk led us to this evocative viewpoint.
Climbing up its ladder, amidst laughter and ritual photos, was a unique experience: from up here you feel small, as your gaze sweeps over the terraced vineyards of the Bagnario Valley, among which the famous Scrapona of the Marenco Estate stands out in the distance. This vineyard owes its name to the dialect term 'scrapare', meaning to climb, a perfect reference to its location on a steep slope - because after all, the best vines are always the most difficult to cultivate.
The soil of the Scrapona is very special: white, composed of sand and fossil marl, well drained and ideal for growing Moscato. The south-west exposure guarantees perfect light, with bright sunny days and cool nights that give the grapes the right balance of sugars, acidity and aromas. Here, Tenuta Marenco sustainably cultivates five different clones of Moscato, including the prized Clone MAC, selected from the old vines that once grew on these hillsides. The grapes, harvested strictly by hand at the beginning of September, give rise to a unique wine: Moscato Passito di Scrapona, Strevi DOC.
This walk was more than just an excursion: it was an opportunity to discover a corner of Monferrato that combines landscape, wine tradition and innovation. The giant bench is part of the Big Bench Community Project, an initiative that enhances the UNESCO World Heritage vineyards between Langhe and Monferrato, inviting people to explore the area in a curious and fun way. Between a laugh and a toast, amidst breathtaking views and the scent of the vineyards, we experienced moments of authentic sharing that made us appreciate even more the beauty of these hills and the passion of those who work there. An experience to be repeated, perhaps to discover all the other giant benches scattered around this land full of surprises and tasty traditions.

Description

0h00' 0,00km From the car park, head towards the bar that prevents cars from accessing Bricco Scrapona. Continue for a few minutes along the ridge of the bricco on a wide track lined with fine vines until you reach the big bench, which is moscato yellow in colour 0h05' 0.30km .

The return journey is along the same route as the outward journey 0h05' 0.30km .

Points of interest

• Big bench #021 - Strevi
• Strevi

Collections

• hikes departing from Tenuta Marenco - on the map
• hikes to the big benches of Piedmont - on the map
• hikes to big-benches in Italy - on the map
• hikes in the Province of Alessandria - on the map
• hiking in Piedmont - on the map