# Calicanto (La Smilla)

> Red, Monferrato Rosso DOC by [La Smilla](https://ilvinobello.com/wineries/la-smilla.md), Gavi, Piemonte, Italy. From Il Vino Bello (https://ilvinobello.com/wines/la-smilla-calicanto).

- **Producer:** La Smilla
- **Style:** Red
- **Denomination:** Monferrato Rosso DOC
- **Grape:** Barbera
- **Production area:** Barbera grapes from the best exposure, limited yield
- **Soil:** Clay and limestone
- **Exposure:** South-West, 270 m a.s.l.
- **Harvest:** Early October, hand-picked in crates
- **Vineyard planting:** Guyot, vines 25 years old on average, 80 quintals per hectare (tech sheet)
- **Vinification:** Barbera base with other varieties added for aromatic and structural balance; one year of ageing in small French oak barrels (website). Tech sheet: traditional skin maceration with frequent pump-overs, stainless steel and cement, 15 days of fermentation, malolactic fermentation done, 3 months on the lees, bottled in April; 13% vol; first vintage 1996
- **Serving temperature:** 16-18 °C
- **Storage:** Drink within 36 to 48 months; harmonious and complex, its qualities start to show after a year in bottle
- **Last updated:** 2026-10-05



## Summary

A blend built on Barbera from the best-exposed, low-yielding vines, with other varieties added and a year in small French oak barrels. Varies with each vintage.

## Tasting notes

Ruby red. Cherry, morello cherry and winey notes on the nose. Tannic, full and slightly tart on the palate.

## Food pairings

Main courses and game