"Montebruna" Barbera d’Asti DOCG 2020

Braida di Giacomo Bologna "Montebruna" Barbera d’Asti DOCG 2020

The essence of Barbera's elegance and innovation

Braida di Giacomo Bologna is a name that has become synonymous with elevating Barbera from a humble local wine to a world-class expression of terroir and craftsmanship. The legacy began in 1961 when Giacomo Bologna harvested and bottled his first lively Barbera del Monferrato, “La Monella”. This was the beginning of Braida’s journey towards excellence. In 1969, Giacomo entered his wine in the Douja d’Or National Wine Competition in Asti, where it won the gold medal. This win granted him the opportunity to present his wines at fairs in Genoa, Turin, and Milan, where he shared his pioneering ideas about Barbera with other winemakers.

Inspired by his travels to Burgundy, Giacomo believed that Barbera had the potential to rival the world’s finest wines. His revolutionary approach, which included late harvesting and reduced yields, culminated in 1982 when he became the first to age Barbera in small oak barrels, creating the first "Super Barbera." This led to the creation of Braida’s renowned crus: Bricco dell’Uccellone, Bricco della Bigotta, and Ai Suma, wines that have since set the standard for Italian red wines.

Today, Braida is a family-run operation, with Giacomo’s daughter Raffaella and son Giuseppe, both qualified oenologists, leading the winemaking and management. Raffaella’s husband, Norbert Reinisch, handles exports, while Giuseppe’s wife, Anna, manages administration. Together, they uphold Giacomo’s legacy of passion, innovation, and respect for the land, producing wines that continue to captivate wine lovers around the world.

The story of Montebruna: A vineyard reclaimed

Montebruna is not just a vineyard; it represents the fulfilment of a family dream. The land, located in Rocchetta Tanaro in the heart of the Monferrato Astigiano region, once belonged to the noble Marchesi Incisa della Rocchetta family. Over time, the vineyard had been divided among different owners. Giacomo Bologna began the process of buying back the parcels of land, determined to restore Montebruna to its former glory. After seven years and 35 legal documents, the Bologna family finally succeeded in uniting the land under their ownership, giving voice to this extraordinary Barbera and its terroir, "a land that speaks."

Upon completing this dream, the family was so ecstatic that they celebrated Montebruna with art, poetry, and music, commissioning artists to bring the vineyard to life through verse and song. The wine label itself reflects this emotional connection, representing the rows of vines, the land, and the poetic soul of Montebruna.

The soils of Montebruna, known locally as impasto misto, are a blend of sand and clay. These soils not only contribute to the wine’s intense aroma but also its structure, giving the Barbera d'Asti from this vineyard its remarkable depth and elegance.

Winemaking: Blending tradition and innovation

At Braida, the winemaking philosophy revolves around respect for the land and a deep understanding of the Barbera grape’s natural characteristics. The Montebruna Barbera d’Asti DOCG is a pure expression of this philosophy, crafted with meticulous care. The must spends two weeks fermenting in temperature-controlled stainless-steel tanks, after which it is transferred to large Slavonian oak barrels to age for a year. This traditional method ensures that Montebruna retains its vibrant acidity and freshness while developing complexity and depth through the subtle influence of oak.

Tasting notes: A wine that speaks of its place

Montebruna’s balanced structure and vibrant acidity make it incredibly versatile when it comes to food pairings. Its flavours are perfectly suited to:

• Pasta dishes: Montebruna’s bright fruit and lively acidity are the perfect match for rich, tomato-based pasta dishes like lasagne or tagliatelle with ragù.
• Roast meats & stews: The wine’s depth complements roasted meats, particularly lamb, pork, or slow-cooked beef stews, enhancing their rich, hearty flavours.
• Aged cheeses & charcuterie: Its acidity cuts through the richness of cured meats like salami and prosciutto, while it pairs beautifully with aged cheeses such as Pecorino or Parmigiano Reggiano.

Accolades & aging potential

Montebruna 2020 has been highly praised by critics, receiving 93 points from Falstaff, 92 points from Vinous (Antonio Galloni), 92 points from Wine Enthusiast, 91 points from Wine Advocate, and 91 points from James Suckling.

This wine is drinking beautifully now, but it will continue to evolve gracefully over the next 5-7 years, gaining further complexity with more savoury and earthy notes emerging, while still retaining its vibrant fruit and acidity.

Conclusion: A dream realised in every bottle

Montebruna Barbera d’Asti is not just a wine—it’s the expression of a family’s dedication to their land, their craft, and their heritage. Every vine planted at Montebruna carries with it a story of resilience and care, a legacy that began with Giacomo Bologna and continues with his children, Raffaella and Giuseppe. Their love for Barbera, and their respect for tradition, lives in every bottle.

Whether you're a newcomer to Barbera or a long-time enthusiast, Montebruna offers a taste of history, passion, and place.