Easter traditions and vineyard work: discover the authentic face of April with Agricola Marrone!
April is the month when the earth truly awakens. After a long and rainy winter, the hills of Langa begin to turn green, while among the rows a new energy can be felt: that of the advancing spring, of buds swelling slowly, and of work picking up rhythm again, following the ancient heartbeat of nature.
But April is also a time of tradition. In Piedmont, Easter and Easter Monday are not just religious holidays or days off on the calendar: they are moments deeply tied to the rural culture, marked by customs that speak of community, simple food, and great joy. Among these, the Cantè j’euv and the Easter Monday picnic hold a special place, especially among the hills of Roero, Monferrato, and the Langhe.
The Cantè j’euv: the egg song that welcomes spring
The name may bring a smile, but it holds a fascinating story. “Cantè j’euv” in Piedmontese means “singing for eggs”, and it is an ancient tradition that combines music, celebration, and a touch of magic. In the weeks leading up to Easter, groups of young people would travel through the countryside, going from farm to farm, singing rhymes in dialect accompanied by an accordion, asking in return for eggs, cured meats, cheeses and – of course – a bit of wine.
A ritual that was anything but random: those songs were meant to bring good luck, to bless the land and its fruits, with the hope of an abundant harvest. The eggs collected would then become the stars of the Easter Monday picnic, enjoyed together in the fields, accompanied by omelets, savory pies like the pasqualina, and the new wines, freshly bottled.
Vineyard work and a time that still slows down
In the vineyard, April marks the beginning of a new phase. After pruning, which has just ended, we closely observe the first signs of awakening: the swelling of the buds has begun in the vineyards of Madonna di Como – those of Nebbiolo, Arneis, Dolcetto and Chardonnay – while in Barolo everything is still waiting.
The climate, unpredictable and fickle, has slowed nature’s pace. But we don’t mind: it gives us a more human rhythm, one in which we can enjoy Easter with family and – why not – take part in the Cantè j’euv, in those places where people still sing for real, between a glass of wine and a shared smile.
Meanwhile, among the rows, we work carefully and quietly: we’ve already run the under-vine disk to cut the grass, disturb any noctuid larvae (caterpillars that love young buds), and expose them to their natural predators. This too is part of our daily commitment to sustainable viticulture that respects the natural balance.
Tradition and modernity: a living heritage
Today, the Cantè j’euv is still celebrated in many areas of Piedmont, often with public events, folk choirs, and communal dinners. The forms change, but the spirit remains the same: conviviality, hospitality, a connection with the land and the seasons.
As for the Easter Monday picnic, maybe the songs are no longer sung as in the past, but we still share a simple meal outdoors, accompanied by those flavors that tell the story of our farming roots: an herb omelet, a slice of salami, a glass of Dolcetto. And so, between a bud that opens and a tradition renewed, this April too reminds us how precious it is to live by the rhythm of the earth, with respect and gratitude.