Vineyards and winemaking
The grapes for Bricco della Bigotta come from Braida's estate vineyard in Castelnuovo Calcea, planted entirely to Barbera. Mature vines on a west-facing slope, rooted in substantial soils containing sand and limestone, produce fruit with depth, perfume and the bright acidity essential to the wine's balance.
The must remains in contact with the skins through an extended maceration before the wine spends 15 months in barriques and another year refining in bottle. The 2008 has developed considerable secondary complexity; stand the bottle upright in advance and decant only as its condition on opening suggests.
Tasting notes
Appearance
Concentrated garnet-red with a clear, softly tawny edge.
Nose
Black cherry, damson and dried violet open into liquorice root, mocha, cigar box and a touch of balsamic herb.
Palate
Rich and rounded, with cherry compote and dark plum lifted by a vivid seam of acidity. Fine-grained tannins and integrated oak bring shape, while coffee, pepper and earthy notes add mature complexity. The finish remains energetic, savoury and long.
Food pairing
A compelling match for roast grouse with bread sauce, glazed beef cheek, porcini pappardelle, or a mature pecorino. Serve at 16–17°C and let the wine gather expression in the glass rather than exposing it immediately to prolonged aeration.
Background story
Bricco della Bigotta carries the nickname of a notably pious former neighbour of the vineyard. The Bologna family transformed that local story into a wine of seriousness and warmth, combining Barbera's unmistakable vitality with concentrated fruit and disciplined oak maturation.
Braida's work was central to Barbera's rise from everyday regional wine to a variety capable of cellar-worthy crus. Sommelier's Choice has collaborated with the family for more than two decades, and the 2008 offers a mature perspective on one of the estate's most individual sites.
