Things have changed a great deal at Braida since their humble beginnings. No longer are the grapes trodden open wooden vats. Today the winery houses rows of gleaming, stainless steel vats where the wines are fermented under temperature control. The spectacular cellar, sport enough French Oak casks to hold some 450 hectare litres of wine. Indeed, no expense has been spared, not just in the aesthetics of the cellar but also in equipping it with the most up to date technology.
This new winery allows the Bologna family (the estate is now run by Giacomo's widow and children), the best possible conditions under which to vinify their wine. However, they are quick to point out that, their approach to wine has not changed at all, but is exactly the same as that they inherited from Giacomo. They claim that whilst it is true that you make wine with your head and technique you can only make truly great wine with your heart. Poetic, perhaps, but it is really like anything in life - the best results are always achieved by those who are passionate about what they are doing. Whilst, nobody could mistake Braida's wines for a Pinot Noir from the Cotes de Nuits, Giacomo was right when he claimed that his Barberas could reach the same supreme heights of quality.
The extraction, definition, purity and elegant balance of the three crus is quite simply awe inspiring. All the crus are harvested in late October and fermented for some 20-25 days. Maturation takes place in cask - 6 months for the Ai Suma, 12 months for the Bricco de Uccellone and 15 months for the Bricco della Bigotta. They are then aged a further 8-12 months in bottle.
Per case ex VAT
2004 Bricco della Uccellone This wonderful single vineyard Barbera displays an intense smoky nose of sumptuous black/ red fruits and wonderfully sweet integrated oak with a distinctly herby character. On the palate it is dry with low acidity, low to medium tannins and a medium body. Rich, ripe and very sexy full of herby black/ red fruit and a touch of smoke. Mouthfilling, the fruit is just wonderfully succulent and the length is superb. (CG)
296.00
2004 Brico della Bigotta Expansive, sexy, succulent aromas of darker, wilder, herbier fruit. Again the oak is very well integrated with a hint of classic bitter cherry. Dry, low acidity, low to medium tannins, medium bodied with mouthfilling, expansive black, herby wild fruit, wonderfully integrated oak and bitter cherry. Absolutely stunning length which is slightly masked ay present. (CG)
296.00
2005 Il Baciale This superb wine is made from 60% Barbera, 30% Pinot Nero, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 5% Merlot. The vinification of the three grapes is done separately; alcoholic and malolactic fermentation take place in stainless steel with aging part in wood vats and part in oak casks for 8-12 months. It has a very aromatic nose of redcurrant barbera and pinot fruit with a background of herby black fruit and a touch of oak. Dry on the palate, low acidity, low to medium tannins and lots of ripe red/ blackcurrant fruit, herbs and a touch of oak. A lovely length with the finish slightly masked by the tannins. (CG)
124.00
2006 Brachetto d'Aqui This must be the ultimate summer drinking sparkling rose. Made from the Brachetto grape it undergoes 10 to 14 days fermentation is tank using the Moscato method in which the temperature is then reduced to below freezing to halt the fermentation process naturally thereby leaving the wine with a lovely amount of residual sugar. On the nose it has Moscato-esque aromas of pure strawberry and cherry fruit and light spice. Although it has 150 g/l residual sugar the balance is perfect, it is clean and refreshing, low in acidity with a delightful depth of mouth filling spicy, rich strawberry fruit. Very long and juicy finish. Perfect for lounging in the garden! (CG)
121.00
2000 Il Baciale Pinot Noir, Barbera The nose is rich and warm with hints of ripe, red berry fruits, leather and farmyard. Surprisingly robust on the palate with good depth of fruit and complexity balanced by a tangy acidity. Well structured but openly knit. The oak has provided good body to the wine but is designed to give pleasure in its youth. (CG)
120.00
2003 Il Baciale Pinot Noir, Barbera, Cabernet Clean and deep, with pronounced youthful aromas of red/ black berry, dusty spice, herbs and a touch of vanilla oak. The addition of Cabernet gives it a fuller nose. Dry, clean, soft smooth medium tannins and medium acidity, med-full bodied with youthful creamy red/ black berry/currants, and herbs. Very long with a fruity finish. (CG)
121.00
Except where indicated all wines are priced per case of 12x75cl exclusive of VAT and onward UK carriage.
Delivery charges (exclusive of VAT):-
1 case - £10.95
2-3 cases - £9.50
4 + cases - FREE
E&OE. All wines are available subject to remaining unsold.
For export and all customers requiring the facilities of a bond the majority of our wines are available without duty under bond.
Current duty rates per 12 x 75cl,
still wines £17.50
sparkling wines £22.40
fortified wines £23.32
Anniversary Vintages We are frequently asked to source whiskies and Armagnacs for anniversaries and birthday.
So if you're looking for a particular vintage to celebrate a special occasion, look no further. Vintage whisky, armagnac & cognac.
