2017 Braida Bricco dell’Uccellone

2017 Braida Bricco dell’Uccellone

2017 Braida Bricco dell’Uccellone  “One of the wines that changed the modern history of Italian wine, this expression from Braida is an evergreen favorite. The 2017 Barbera d’Asti Bricco dell’Uccellone is a dark and almost impenetrable expression with bold layers of thick, dark fruit. The wine is constructed like a little tower, layer upon layer, that rises tall with momentum and power. The intensity is beautiful, and that’s always been the defining trait of Uccellone. It drinks beautifully now, but it will hold its own in the cellar.”

Very deep ruby red color with garnet highlights. Rich and complex bouquet with outstanding concentration and density; scents of red berries and forest fruits are particularly evident, with a background of minty spices, vanilla and licorice. Generous flavor with excellent body and remarkable structure, a perfect combination of the characteristics of the grape and the contribution of wood, resulting in refined smoothness and class, with a very long aromatic persistence.

One Of My All-Time Favorite Reds
One of the wines that changed the modern history of Italian wine.

One of the greatest red wines I have ever  tasted from anywhere was the 1998 rendition of this wine. The wine was originally brought to the US by the great Domenic

Nocerino who brought some of Italy’s greatest wines to our tables. The likes of Valdicava, Gaja, Giacossa and Flaccianello. The name of the house is Braida from the family of Bologna. Giacomo Bologna started this great winery which is now run by son and daughter. Daughter Raffaella has done tasting for us before and has one of the greatest personalities to do customer tastings, she’s the best. Now where most great wineries from Piedmont focus on Nebbiolo, Braida is recognized as making the finest Barbera in the world.

Parker’s WA recently commented: “Braida di Giacomo Bologna is a pioneering estate, especially in terms of world class Barbera. This producer almost single-handedly invented the concept of Barbera d’Asti and it continues to offer compelling evidence, vintage after vintage, of the variety’s unquestionable excellence.”

Their wines reach huge levels of richness and concentration matched with superb intensity, complexity and depth. Have this wine with some Osso Bucco and  risotto and it will blow your mind.

The 2017 Braida Bricco dell’Uccellone is an incredible wine reminding me of the 1998 I loved and remembered from so many years ago. This is one of the greatest Italian red wine experiences to be had. Giacomo was inspired to make this wine after a trip to California in the 1970’s, he loved the wines and understood the importance of using new French oak. He called his wife saying, “We’ve done everything wrong, these are a bit of a piece of work ahead of us.” The first vintage of the Braida Bricco was 1982 and the wine has gone on to become the finest expression of Barbera on the planet. This single vineyard wine from true specialists in this great vintage and being one of Italy’s most celebrated wines is a must! I will be adding a case to my cellar.