Beaune, Cent Vignes, 1er Cru, Benjamin Leroux, Burgundy 2022 vs Il Cascinone Crocera Barbera d'Asti Superiore 2022

Il Cascinone Crocera Barbera d'Asti Superiore 2022

Il Cascinone Crocera is an outstanding Barbera d'Asti Superiore DOCG from Tenuta Il Cascinone in the Monferrato hills of Piemonte — a wine that over-delivers on everything from seductive spicy notes to a charming chocolate and cherry combination. Sourced from 6 hectares of south, east, and west-facing slopes, aged 12 months in French oak barriques, and crafted by winemaker Carlo Manera with genuine care and precision, this is a benchmark expression of youthful, juicy, oak-aged Barbera. Vegan, vegetarian, and sustainably produced. Why You'll Love It Tenuta Il Cascinone was acquired by leading Piemonte producer Araldica in 1999 and has since become one of the Monferrato's most respected estates. Barbera is Piemonte's most widely planted red grape and, in the right hands, produces wines of remarkable character — naturally high in acidity, deeply coloured, and bursting with cherry and plum fruit. Crocera is exactly that: rich, juicy, and full of personality, with the structure and complexity that comes from careful oak ageing. A wine that punches well above its price. Vineyard & Production Barbera grapes are sourced from 6 hectares of vines planted from 2000 onwards on south, east, and west-facing slopes at Tenuta Il Cascinone in the Monferrato hills. The wine is aged for 12 months in French oak barriques (2nd and 3rd use), of which 10–15% is new oak, building structure and complexity while preserving the variety's vibrant fruit character. 14.5% ABV. Cork closure. Contains sulphites. Tasting Notes Aromas of ripe black cherry, damson, and toasty spice on the nose. The palate is rich and juicy — plum and sour cherry fruit, lively acidity, and notes of dark chocolate on the finish. Supple, expressive, and deeply satisfying. Perfect Pairings Duck in plum sauce is the classic match — but equally excellent with rich beef stews, cassoulet, belly of pork, and tomato-based pasta dishes. Also a natural partner for aged hard cheeses and charcuterie. Grape Variety Barbera 100%