"Bricco Dell’Uccellone" Barbera d’Asti DOCG 2018/19

The creation of Bricco dell’Uccellone

The Bricco dell’Uccellone vineyard is located on a southern-facing slope in Rocchetta Tanaro. Its name originates from a playful nickname, “l’uselun” (the big bird), referring to a local woman. Giacomo Bologna caused a stir in 1982 when he introduced the use of French oak barriques for aging Barbera. This revolutionary step transformed Barbera from a table wine into a world-class, age-worthy wine.

Grapes and vineyard

100% Barbera grapes grown in the Bricco dell’Uccellone vineyard, situated on 6 hectares of medio impasto soils—a blend of clay and yellow sand—which contribute to the wine's aromatic intensity and savoury character.

Winemaking

The wine undergoes fermentation, followed by 12 months of aging in French oak barriques. This aging process lends the wine structure, depth, and complexity while preserving the vibrancy of the Barbera grape.

Appearance

Deep ruby red with purple highlights, reflecting its youthful energy and concentration.

Nose

A bouquet of blackberries, sour cherries, and plums, accented by sweet spices, liquorice, and smoke. Floral notes of violet and hints of vanilla and toasted cocoa from the oak add complexity.

Palate

Full-bodied and rich, the palate features ripe dark fruits like black cherry and blackberry, balanced by bright acidity. Smooth tannins provide depth, while flavours of dark chocolate, balsamic, and a lingering smoky finish add complexity.

Food pairing

Perfect with braised meats, osso buco, and wild game like venison or duck. It also pairs beautifully with tomato-based dishes like pappardelle with wild boar ragu or lasagna. Ideal cheese pairings include aged selections like Parmigiano-Reggiano or Pecorino.

Accolades

95 points from James Suckling
94 points from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
93 points from Wine Spectator

Aging potential

This vintage will develop further over the next 10-15 years, gaining complexity with notes of leather, tobacco, and truffle.

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.