"Bricco Dell’Uccellone" Barbera d’Asti DOCG 2018 (Magnum)

The creation of Bricco dell’Uccellone

The Bricco dell’Uccellone vineyard, located on a southern-facing slope in Rocchetta Tanaro, derives its name from a local woman nicknamed "l’uselun" (the big bird). Giacomo Bologna first launched this wine in 1982, sparking a revolution by using French oak barriques for aging—a bold move that transformed Barbera from a table wine into a world-class, age-worthy expression.

Grapes and vineyard

100% Barbera grapes are grown in the Bricco dell’Uccellone vineyard on 6 hectares of clay and yellow sand soils. This terroir contributes to the wine’s aromatic intensity and complex structure.

Winemaking

The wine undergoes fermentation followed by 12 months of aging in French oak barriques. This process brings depth, complexity, and enhances the natural vibrancy of the Barbera grape, resulting in a rich, full-bodied wine.

Appearance

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

Nose

The nose reveals an expressive bouquet of blackberries, sour cherries, and plums, with notes of sweet spices, liquorice, and subtle smoke. Floral violet notes and aromas of vanilla and toasted cocoa from the oak add complexity.

Palate

Full-bodied and opulent, the palate delivers ripe dark fruits like black cherry and blackberry, balanced by bright acidity. Tannins are smooth but structured, providing depth without overpowering the fruit. Flavours of dark chocolate, balsamic, and a lingering smoky finish round out the experience.

Food pairing

This Barbera pairs perfectly with braised meats, osso buco, and wild game such as venison or duck. It also complements tomato-based dishes like pappardelle with wild boar ragu or lasagna, and aged cheeses 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

While enjoyable now, this vintage will continue to develop for the next 10-15 years, revealing more complex 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.