The Il Cento+ 2023 from Cascina Del Vento is a powerful and honest Barbera from Alto Monferrato in Piedmont, created in honour of an exceptional piece of vineyard history. The wine comes from the San Nicolao vineyard, planted in 1918 and officially recognised as a Vigneto Storico in 2023. At an altitude of around 300 metres, on clay-rich soils, these century-old vines give the wine depth, authenticity and a strong sense of place.
The harvest is carried out entirely by hand, and the vinification takes place without any oenological additives. Fermentation and ageing follow a minimal-intervention approach, with an extremely low total sulphur content. The wine then matures for twelve months in a combination of oak and chestnut barrels, adding structure, warmth and a rustic elegance. This method highlights the natural character of the wine and allows the Barbera grape to express itself without artifice.
In the glass, Il Cento+ is intense and concentrated, with ripe dark fruit, earthy notes and the vibrant freshness that defines Barbera. The palate is powerful and deep, with tension and length, calling for dishes with equally strong character. It pairs beautifully with braised meats, game or traditional bollito alla piemontese. Decant the wine around two hours before serving and enjoy it at 18 to 20 degrees to fully appreciate its complexity.