Braida Barbera d'Asti Bricco dell Uccellone 2017
- Vintage
- 2017
- Country
- Italy
- Region
- Piedmont
- Size
- 750ml
- Rating
- WA94, WE93, WS90
- Grape
- Barbera
One of the wines that changed the modern history of Italian wine, this expression from Braida is an evergreen favorite. The 2017 Barbera d'Asti Bricco dell'Uccellone is a dark and almost impenetrable expression with bold layers of thick, dark fruit. The wine is constructed like a little tower, layer upon layer, that rises tall with momentum and power. The intensity is beautiful, and that's always been the defining trait of Uccellone. It drinks beautifully now, but it will hold its own in the cellar. Drink: 2020~2035- WA94
Enticing aromas of mature black-skinned berry, violet, new leather and graphite emerge from the glass. The powerful, concentrated palate offers blackberry jam, ripe black cherry and black pepper alongside fine-grained, enveloping tannins. The rich fruit flavors counterbalance the warmth of alcohol. Enjoy through 2026. - WE93
Rich and luscious, with plum, toasty oak, leather and loam aromas and flavors. Shows power, exhibiting some heat on the finish. Drink now through 2024. - WS90
Very deep ruby red color with garnet highlights. Rich and complex bouquet with outstanding concentration and density; scents of red berries and forest fruits are particularly evident, with a background of minty spices, vanilla and liquorice. Generous flavor with excellent body and remarkable structure, a perfect combination of the characteristics of the grape and the contribution of wood, resulting in refined smoothness and class, with a very long aromatic persistence. Ideal with roasts and meat dishes, also with sauces, and mature cheeses. - Winemaker's Notes
Giacomo Bologna Braida is an estate in the Monferrato region of Piedmont, just southeast of the town of Asti. It is particularly associated with wines produced from the Barbera grape variety, and is sometimes credited as the first producer in the region to prove that this variety can be aged in new oak barrels.
The flagship of the range is Bricco dell'Uccellone, a Barbera d'Asti with rich aromas, voluptuous texture and creamy oak. It is joined at the top of the range by Bricco della Bigotta and Ai Suma, which both see 15 to 18 months in new oak barriques.
Braida also makes a range of other wines from Barbera, including a Barbera del Monferrato Frizzante, and a Barbera-dominant blend that also includes Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.
The estate also produces a number of white wines from Langhe, including a Chardonnay, a Riesling and a Nascetta, as well as a Brachetto d'Acqui and a Moscato d'Asti.
Braida has vineyards in several areas of Monferrato and in two sites southeast of Alba in the Langhe region which supply white grapes. The estate in its current form dates back to 1961 when Giacomo Bologna inherited vineyards (and the 'Braida' nickname) from his father.
His son and daughter now run the estate and make the wine.- Information from Wine Searcher