Wines Barbera d'Asti Braida - Bricco dell'Uccellone - 2019

Viniou Reviews

Braida’s Bricco dell'Uccellone 2019 is a celebrated Barbera d’Asti DOCG from Piedmont, Italy, and stands as a benchmark for the varietal. Crafted exclusively from Barbera grapes sourced from the renowned “Bricco dell'Uccellone” vineyard, this cuvée is noted for its intensity and elegance. The 2019 vintage benefited from favourable weather conditions, yielding grapes with exemplary balance between acidity and concentration. After careful selection, vinification involves stainless steel fermentation to maintain freshness before the wine matures for several months in French oak barriques, which adds a touch of spice and structure while preserving the vibrant fruit character inherent to Barbera. Expect an expressive bouquet of ripe black cherry, plum, violet, and notes of sweet spice, all underpinned by a lively acidity and silky tannins. On the palate, the wine is rich yet fresh, with layers of fruit and a lingering, harmonious finish.

The Piedmont region is one of Italy’s viticultural treasures, nestled in the north-west beneath the Alps. The rolling hills around Asti provide Barbera with a superb terroir, benefitting from calcareous clay soils and a temperate continental climate. Warm days and cool nights help promote gradual ripening, preserving the grape's signature acidity while allowing full development of flavour and complexity. The area’s historical commitment to quality, especially for the Barbera grape, has led to DOCG status and worldwide acclaim for its best wines.

For food pairing, Bricco dell'Uccellone’s generous fruit and vibrant acidity make it a versatile companion at table. Classic Piedmontese dishes such as agnolotti del plin (small stuffed pasta) with meat ragù, brasato al Barbera (beef braised in Barbera wine), or even a rich mushroom risotto will echo its regional roots. The wine also lends itself spectacularly to roast game, lamb cutlets, or aged hard cheeses such as Parmigiano Reggiano.

To fully appreciate its aromatic complexity and textural depth, serve this wine at 16-18°C. Decanting for about an hour is recommended to allow the bouquet to open up, and while delightful now, Bricco dell'Uccellone 2019 will reward further cellaring over the next decade.