Braida Barbera d ‘Asti ‘Bricco della Bigotta’ 2010

Description

“If anyone put Barbera on the map as a potentially great wine-grape it was the late Giacomo Bologna of Braida ” : Nicolas Belfrage – ‘Barolo To Valpolicella The Wines Of Northern Italy’.
Giacomo Bologna – known as ‘Braida’ – inherited his love of barbera from his wheelwright father’s small plot of the grape in the town of Rocchetta Tanaro in Piedmont. He determined he would use it to create wines as subtle and complex as the best pinot noir and nebbiolo and succeeded. Along the way, the world stood up and took notice and now Braida wines such as the Bricco dell’Uccellone and Ai Suma are renowned for their elegance and suitability for ageing.

The estate, owned by the Bologna family since 1961, is run today by Anna Martinengo and by Giacomo’s children, Giuseppe and Raffaella Bologna. It stands on an overall area of 70 hectares of which 40 are vineyard and 30 occupied by meadows, woodland and sown crops.
The Bigotta is another one of the best vineyards in Rocchetta Tanaro.  This wine takes its name; Bigotta meaning over-devout, from an old lady who once lived nearby and who was more interested in the external practices of religion rather than the spirit of religion itself.  Bricco della Bigotta is one of their top 3 crus … this is a more classic wine in some ways. Average yields are a bit higher and it spends a few additional months in oak.  Grapes from the cru Rocchetta Tanaro vineyard are picked and after crushing are allowed to macerate on the skins for 20 days during fermentation. Ageing takes place in barrels for 18 months followed by one year in the bottle.  On the nose .. rich, intense and persistent bouquet, fully developed with sensations of licorice, violets, plum and  vanilla  A mix of fruit and spices, from roasted to decidedly spicy, very well balanced and intense.
95 points Gary Walsh, The Wine Front .. “7 hectares. Dark red sandy soils. 16 months oak. 48 year old vines.  Dark cherry, almond, dark chocolate, almost raspberry, spices and mineral. Medium bodied, tight knit fine grained tannin, slaty mineral graphite kind of feel, creamy oak in support. Lively almost saline finish and great length. Slight warmth on finish.” 

RRP $180