Vineyards and winemaking
Montebruna comes entirely from Barbera grown on the family's vineyard at Rocchetta Tanaro. Sand and clay in the local mixed soils encourage both aromatic intensity and structure, while Barbera's incisive acidity keeps the wine animated as it matures.
Following roughly two weeks of temperature-controlled fermentation and maceration, the wine spends a year in large Slavonian oak. This 2014 is presented in a three-litre jeroboam, a format that slows bottle development and helps preserve fruit and freshness; stand upright before serving and allow time for a large-format decant.
Tasting notes
Appearance
Deep ruby-garnet with a concentrated centre and gently mature edge.
Nose
Ripe cherry and raspberry compote meet dried rose, sweet tobacco, dark chocolate and a whisper of smoky spice.
Palate
Generous and vibrant, with juicy red fruit stretched across Barbera's bright acidity. Polished tannins and restrained large-cask oak add shape, while plum, cocoa and dried herbs gather on the long finish. The jeroboam retains an impressive sense of energy.
Food pairing
Designed for a gathering, this is excellent with a whole roast sirloin, porchetta with crackling, a large tray of baked beef cannelloni, or a generous selection of hard cheeses. Serve at 16–17°C and use suitably broad glassware.
Background story
The Montebruna vineyard was pieced back together over seven years and 35 legal documents after its historic parcels had passed into separate ownership. Reuniting the land realised a Bologna family ambition and inspired art, poetry and music as well as the label's evocation of vineyard rows and landscape.
The 2014 received 93 points from Wine Enthusiast. Sommelier's Choice has worked with Braida for over two decades, and this rare jeroboam embodies the family's convivial spirit as clearly as it expresses their long commitment to Barbera and Rocchetta Tanaro.
