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Braida

In the world of wine there have always been remarkable people who have contributed to viticulture and winemaking so that appellations and varieties were completely redefined. In the little commune of Rocchetta Tanaro one person completely transformed the reputation and future of the underachieving Barbera grape: Giacomo 'Braida' Bologna.

The estate was founded by Giacomo's father Giuseppe, a man who was known by the nickname 'Braida'. After inheriting the vineyard, Giacomo was influenced by French winemaking and by the Dean of American Winemakers, Andre Tschelistcheff, in particular. Notably the use of barriques and the completion of malolactic fermentation in the making of rounder, more concentrated and modern Barbera set Bologna's Avant-Garde wines apart from the mainstream. The estate's old-vine and single-vineyard flagship Bricco dell'Uccellone was the first Barbera made in the new tradition, macerated on lees for 20 days and maturated in barrels for 12 months. Today this wine is regarded as one of country's classic wines. Another two crus were soon to follow; the barrel maturated Bricco della Bigotta and Ai Suma, a rich and concentrated wine crafted from late-harvested Barbera grapes, only produced in exceptional vintages. With those wines Giacomo Bologna was the architect of a new era for the hitherto unsung variety. Unfortunatley his contribution to the Italian wine scene ended far to early with his death in 1990.

Todat Braida is run by Giacomo's wife and children. Under their guidance new ideas and innovations have been implemented. A notable example is the Barbera Montebruna, a dream and project of Giacomo realized by buying a total of 27 hectares of vineyards around the Montebruna hillside to create the perfect environment for Babera to shine. Apart from Barbera, Braida produces some very good wines from other varieties. Unknown but delicious is the sweet, fruity, delicate and frizzante Brachetto d'Acqui. In the Serra dei Fiori range Chardonnay plays an important role, mono-varietal and blended with Riesling, Lisereit, Nescetta and white Rossese. A Dolcetto d'Alba complements the range. www.braida.it        

Image	Name	Carton Qty	Brand
	Barbera d'Asti DOC Montebruna	6	Braida
	Barbera d'Asti DOC Bricco dell'Uccellone	6	Braida
	Brachetto d'Acqui DOCG 375ml	12	Braida
	Brachetto d'Acqui DOCG 750ml	12	Braida
	Barbera D'Asti DOC - 'Ai Suma'	6	Braida
	Grignolino D'Asti DOC	6	Braida