Il Cascinone Rive Barbera d'Asti

Il Cascinone was acquired by leading Piemonte producer Araldica in 1999 - an exceptional estate in the Monferrato hills which has undergone extensive restoration and replanting. Now around 70ha of the total 102ha are in full production, with the warmer, southwest-facing slopes used to grow Barbera, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon - whilst the northeast slopes are ideal for more aromatic varieties Brachetto and Moscato, along with Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir.

The 'Il Cascinone' range (and part of the Alasia range) is produced with grapes sourced from Araldica's most prized vineyards, both on the estate itself and from other selected sites. This includes the further d'Annona vineyard in the village of Fontanile - purchased by Claudio Manera in 1998. This south-west facing vineyard is a source of premium quality Barbera, from vines over 60 years old. Grapes from d'Annona are brought to Il Cascinone for vinification.

All harvesting at Il Cascinone and d'Annona is by hand. The Araldica winemaking team of Claudio Manera, Lella Burdese and Carlo Manera oversee all production.

Production at Il Cascinone has obtained the SQNPI trademark - Sistema di Qualità Nazionale di Produzione Integrata (National Quality System of Integrated Crop Management). Wines and vintages that are now fully compatible with this system have a bee symbol on the label, which guarantees that each phase of production has complied with the strict parameters of integrated crop management. In other words, it is sustainable and eco-compatible, certified by an independent third party.

Barbera,

Classic barrique-aged Barbera d'Asti Superiore from the oldest vineyards of the Il Cascinone estate.

The grapes for Rive Barbera are hand-picked, de-stemmed and crushed. The must is fermented in temperature controlled, stainless steel vats with pumping over four times a day. The wine is pressed just before dryness and then racked to a mixture of new (2/3) and one year old (1/3) French oak barriques, where it undergoes malolactic fermentation and is aged for 18 months. The wine is left to develop in bottle for 6 months before being released.

A deep ruby Barbera with vibrant aromas of black cherries and prunes with notes of chocolate and toasty oak. An abundance of wild blackberries, black cherries and a touch of spice show through on the palate, which has a rich, voluptuous texture balancing taught acidity and fine oak tannins.

Casseroles, game dishes, smoked gammon with onion mash, and mature cheeses.