Brauda "Montebruna" Barbera d’Asti
Monferrato, Italy, 2020
$18/glassIn Monferrato, Barbera has always been the go-to wine, and a staple on dinner tables as an everyday sipper. But the Bologna family, the folks behind Braida, saw something more in this grape. They knew that with the right care—premium vineyards, lower yields, and top-notch cellar work—Barbera could be something extraordinary. Their 2020 "Montebruna" is proof of that, bursting with rich dark plum and ripe black cherry, anise, a touch of new leather, and dried flowers. It's got some serious weight and structure, balanced by lively acidity and a subtle oak influence from spending a year in large barrels. The story of Braida began with Giuseppe Bologna, affectionately known as "Braida," was not just a wheelwright professionally but also a lover of Barbera. He owned a fantastic vineyard in Rocchetta Tanaro and made wine mostly for himself and his friends, but his son Giacomo took things to the next level, turning his Barbera from a humble everyday wine into something world-class. Giacomo’s passion for the land and wine brought the grape to new heights, fulfilling his dream of creating exceptional Barbera. After Giacomo passed away in 1990, his wife Anna and their kids, Raffaella and Beppe, picked up the torch. They’ve carried on his vision, keeping the family’s commitment to quality and their love for winemaking alive. Today, Braida's "Montebruna" continues to showcase the Bologna family's legacy. Though this is a full bodied Barbera, the wine stays fresh and lively complemented by Barbera’s innately high-acid makeup and gentle pressing. It’s perfect with rich, cheesy dishes.
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