The creation of Ai Suma was a pure coincidence, a result of several factors aligning unexpectedly. In 1989, Giacomo Bologna, founder of Braida, delayed the harvest of one particular vineyard to wait for his Georgian friends, whom he had met on a research trip with wine writer Luigi Veronelli. Due to travel issues, they arrived two weeks late. During that time, the weather remained perfect, allowing the grapes to ripen beyond the usual harvest date. The grapes dried slightly on the vine, resulting in an incredibly rich, concentrated wine. This unplanned delay led to the birth of Ai Suma, which means “Here we are” in the local dialect, symbolising the ultimate achievement of the Bologna family’s efforts. Since then, Ai Suma has only been produced in exceptional vintages, when nature provides the perfect conditions for late-harvest Barbera.
Grapes and vineyard
Made from late-harvested 100% Barbera grapes grown in estate-owned vineyards in Rocchetta Tanaro. The late harvest concentrates the fruit, creating a bold, complex wine.
Winemaking
Fermentation includes 20 days of temperature-controlled maceration on the skins to extract colour and flavour. The wine is aged for 15 months in oak casks, followed by an additional year in the bottle. This careful aging process contributes to the wine’s powerful structure, elegance, and depth.
Appearance
Very deep ruby red colour with garnet highlights.
Nose
The bouquet is rich, layered, and complex, offering ripe dark fruit aromas such as blackberries and plums, complemented by notes of vanilla, liquorice, and cocoa, with a backdrop of toasted oak and underbrush.
Palate
The 2017 Ai Suma offers a rich and concentrated palate, starting with layers of ripe black plum jam and blackberry, intertwined with vanilla and mocha from the oak aging. Velvety tannins give the wine a smooth, luxurious texture, while the vibrant acidity provides balance and freshness. As the wine evolves in the glass, more complex flavours emerge—balsamic undertones, leather, and a hint of tar add depth to the wine’s rich fruit core. The balsamic notes provide a refreshing lift, complementing the bramble and candied cherry flavours, leading to a long, elegant finish. The interplay between the concentrated fruit, the acidity, and the oak influence results in a powerful yet harmonious wine.
Food pairing
Ideal with roasts and meat dishes, especially with sauces, as well as mature cheeses. It also pairs wonderfully with rich pasta dishes and hearty stews.
Accolades
95 points from Wine Advocate (Monica Larner).
Background story
Braida, established by the late Giacomo Bologna, is synonymous with Barbera at its very best. Inspired by the great French wine regions he visited, notably Burgundy, Giacomo believed that Barbera could rival the world's finest wines. In 1961, he produced his first lightly effervescent Barbera. Continuing his quality journey through experimental vineyard plantings, reduced yields, and late harvesting, he caused a stir by being the first to age Barbera in small oak barrels in 1982, the original “Super Barbera”.
This led to the creation of the renowned crus: Uccellone, Bricco della Bigotta, and Ai Suma. Success and recognition were not achieved overnight, but Giacomo's sustained persistence led to Bricco dell’Uccellone being regarded as not only one of the finest wines of Barbera but one of the finest red wines of Italy. Today, his daughter Raffaella manages the winery, and his son Giuseppe oversees growing and production, with their spouses handling exports and administration. This family operation values the environment, tradition, and heartfelt passion, resulting in wines that evoke deep emotions. Their uncompromising pursuit of quality, devotion to the terroir, innovation, and sustainability are matched by their genuine conviviality and warmth of welcome. We have had the absolute pleasure of collaborating with them for over 20 years.
