Braida Montebruna Barbera D’Asti DOCG

This wine was described by Robert Parker Wine Advocate as having “loads of character,” and scored a 92. It’s made with 100% Barbera grapes from Piedmont, Italy. The grapes are fermented in temperature-controlled steel tanks for two weeks, then aged in large oak barrels for 12 months.

A gorgeous purplish red in color, this Barbera D’Asti from Braida has prominent aromas of ripe cherry and red berry, with hints of dried olives and vanilla. Its deep and full flavor echoes the aroma perfectly, with a hint of almond toward the end.

The Braida Montebruna Barbera D’Asti is a very versatile wine, and can go with a number of foods. Try it with a strong Italian cheese, like a Gorgonzola, and cured meats like salami or coppa.

For entrees, you have a wide range of possibilities to choose from. Try it with a mushroom risotto, or a meat-stuffed ravioli. Red meats work brilliantly with it, so pair it with grilled or roast lamb, or a perfectly-cooked steak. Classics like spaghetti and meatballs, and a meat pizza are unconventional, but will shine with this wine. If you’re still unsure, anything with garlic, olives, and tomatoes will be a good choice.

“Braida” is a nickname given to Giuseppe Bologna, a carter by profession, who played handball, a traditional sport in Piedmont, Italy. He owned a large vineyard of Barbera grapes in Rocchetta Tanaro, and made wine mostly for himself and his friends. When his son, Giacomo, inherited the vineyard (and the title), he made it his mission to produce superb Barbera wine. He used the name “Braida” for the winery, and elevated the Barbera to a world-class wine.

When Giacomo passed on, his children—Raffaella and Giuseppe, took over. They continued on and finished the projects he had initiated, and presently handle sales, marketing, wine making, and agriculture. They live for wine; their love for the culture and the land not only keeps the winery running, but elevates it further.