# Policalpo (Cascina Castlèt)

> Red, Monferrato Rosso DOC by [Cascina Castlèt](https://ilvinobello.com/wineries/cascina-castlet.md), Asti, Piemonte, Italy. From Il Vino Bello (https://ilvinobello.com/wines/cascina-castlet-policalpo).

- **Producer:** Cascina Castlèt
- **Style:** Red
- **Denomination:** Monferrato Rosso DOC
- **Grape:** Barbera 60%, Cabernet Sauvignon 40%
- **Cru / vineyard:** Policalpo
- **Production area:** The Policalpo vineyard, Costigliole d'Asti.
- **Harvest:** Hand-picked by mid-October, grapes are crated and immediately vinified.
- **Vineyard planting:** About 5,400 vines per hectare, yield 80 quintals per hectare (55 hl of wine).
- **Vinification:** Barbera and Cabernet Sauvignon co-ferment on the skins at a controlled 29°C, macerating at least 15 days for maximum extraction of colour, anthocyanins and aroma precursors; malolactic fermentation follows racking, in French oak barriques.
- **Serving temperature:** 18°C in large crystal glasses, decanted if the bottle is old.
- **Storage:** Matures 12 months in barriques then at least 6 months in bottle, released in the second year after harvest; keeps improving for 7 to 8 years.
- **Last updated:** 2026-09-25



## Summary

A Barbera-Cabernet Sauvignon blend named after the vineyard it comes from, with an experimental character the estate has kept over the years.

## Tasting notes

Intense, bright ruby red with light garnet reflections typical of long-ageing wines. Intense, broad, persistent, elegant bouquet with ethereal and spicy notes, liquorice, vanilla, tobacco and a hint of the vegetal character typical of Cabernet. Warm, elegant, smooth and austere palate with notable harmony, great structure and complexity, and a long, intense finish. Alcohol 14 to 15% vol.

## Food pairings

Rich classic and local meat dishes, enhanced by white truffle, good with mushrooms, and aged cheeses.