"Il Bacialé" Monferrato Rosso DOC 2018 (Balthazar)

The Creation of Il Bacialé

The name Il Bacialé refers to the Piedmontese matchmaker who united couples, much like how this wine blends Barbera, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc into a harmonious marriage. The grapes are sourced from the family vineyards in Castelnuovo Calcea, San Marzano Oliveto, and Rocchetta Tanaro, areas renowned for their terroir.

Grapes and vineyards

Each grape contributes unique qualities: Barbera brings freshness, while the French varietals add structure and elegance. The vineyards sit in prime areas, benefiting from the varying soils and microclimates to balance richness and vibrancy.

Winemaking

Each grape variety is vinified separately, with Barbera aged in large Slavonian oak barrels, while the French varietals mature in French barriques. After separate aging, the wines are blended and further aged in large casks for perfect integration.

Tasting notes

Appearance

Deep ruby red with garnet reflections.

Nose

Rich aromas of blackberry, currant, and plum, complemented by notes of cinnamon, vanilla, and a hint of tobacco.

Palate

Full-bodied and harmonious, featuring warm, elegant flavors with a medium structure. The palate reveals layers of ripe fruit and spice, leading to a long, persistent finish with nuances of plums and cinnamon.

Food pairing

Ideal with roasted or grilled meats, game dishes, hearty pasta, and aged cheeses.

Aging potential

This wine can be enjoyed now or cellared for up to 5 years, allowing its complex flavours to further develop.

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.