What kind of wine is Barbera d’Asti DOCG 'Bricco della Bigotta' 2019 - Braida?

The Barbera d’Asti DOCG 'Bricco della Bigotta' 2019 - Braida is one of the most authoritative and recognized expressions of the Barbera grape, a symbol of Piedmont and Asti's winemaking tradition. Produced by the historic Braida winery, this red wine represents an intense, full-bodied, and highly distinctive version, capable of combining the generosity of the fruit with surprising elegance. It originates from the Monferrato hills, from carefully selected vineyards, where the clay and limestone soils contribute to the depth and minerality of the grapes. It is a Barbera with a significant profile, designed for those who love structured wines that are soft yet lively and persistent.

Vintage Details

The 2019 vintage is remembered as balanced and generous for Barbera d’Asti. After a regular spring and a warm but not excessive summer, the grapes reached optimal ripeness, retaining good natural acidity. The harvest, which took place between late September and early October, allowed for the production of rich and concentrated berries, ideal for a long-aging wine like Bricco della Bigotta 2019.

Vinification and Aging

Vinification takes place in steel tanks with controlled fermentation lasting about two weeks, during which the must remains in contact with the skins to extract color, aromas, and balanced tannins. Subsequently, the wine ages for about 15 months in French oak barriques, where it develops complexity and harmony. Aging then continues for at least a year in the bottle, to achieve perfect integration between freshness and softness.

Tasting Notes

Color

In the glass, the Barbera d’Asti DOCG 'Bricco della Bigotta' 2019 - Braida presents an intense ruby red color, with garnet nuances that anticipate its evolution. It is a bright and dense wine, hinting at its rich and enveloping structure.

Nose

On the nose, it offers a broad and complex bouquet: aromas of ripe plum and cherry blend with spicy notes of vanilla, licorice, and roasted coffee. Hints of cocoa and sweet tobacco emerge on the finish, a distinctive sign of the well-integrated wood aging with the fruit.

Palate

On the palate, it is full, warm, and round. The body is significant, supported by a lively acidity and fine but present tannins. The balance between softness and freshness makes the drinking experience harmonious, while the persistence is long, with a rich finish of fruity and spicy echoes.

What dishes to pair with Barbera d’Asti DOCG 'Bricco della Bigotta' 2019 - Braida

This is a versatile yet highly structured wine, perfect for accompanying substantial and flavorful dishes. Ideal with:

• Grilled or braised red meats
• Game dishes and stews
• Aged and flavorful cheeses
• Pasta with traditional Piedmontese ragù

Also excellent as a meditation wine, to be enjoyed alone on special occasions, perhaps after dinner.

Storage and Aging

For those who want to know how to store Barbera d’Asti DOCG 'Bricco della Bigotta' 2019 - Braida wine, it is important to keep the bottle horizontally, away from light and in an environment with a constant temperature between 12 and 16°C. This wine has great aging potential: it can be stored in the cellar for up to 10-15 years, evolving over time towards increasingly complex and refined notes. With age, Barbera 'Bricco della Bigotta' reveals new nuances of spices and dried fruit, becoming a truly exceptional sensory experience.