Braida
Ai Suma Barbera d'Asti
"On 16 October 1989, Giacomo Bologna carried out a late harvest of Barbera, contrary to the advice given to him by everyone. "Ai Suma!", "We did it", he exclaimed as he tasted the wine: a new Braida Barbera was born from his foresight and stubbornness. Since 1989, it's only produced in the best vintages." (copied from Braida webpage). Today, for example, one can marvel at how lasting his legacy has been in the 97 Ai Suma. In its 23rd year this wine still smells and tastes great. Especially the shares of tertiary aromas like espresso, leather or warm, moist forest soil are wonderfully interwoven with the remains of an expressive fruit of dark berry fruits, plums, liquorice as well as balsamic notes. Dense on the palate, with a nice melting, remains of round, grainy tannins and a moderate acidity. The acidity is rather moderate, yet the wine is drinkable, because the "fat" of its youth has integrated and the wine shows today - at the age of 23 years a nice balance and ends long. Even a certain grandeur may be attested to it. 93 points 2020-2025
"On 16 October 1989, Giacomo Bologna carried out a late harvest of Barbera, contrary to the advice given to him by everyone. "Ai Suma!", "We did it", he exclaimed as he tasted the wine: a new Braida Barbera was born from his foresight and stubbornness. Since 1989, it's only produced in the best vintages." (copied from Braida webpage). Today, for example, one can marvel at how lasting his legacy has been in the 97 Ai Suma. In its 23rd year this wine still smells and tastes great. Especially the shares of tertiary aromas like espresso, leather or warm, moist forest soil are wonderfully interwoven with the remains of an expressive fruit of dark berry fruits, plums, liquorice as well as balsamic notes. Dense on the palate, with a nice melting, remains of round, grainy tannins and a moderate acidity. The acidity is rather moderate, yet the wine is drinkable, because the "fat" of its youth has integrated and the wine shows today - at the age of 23 years a nice balance and ends long. Even a certain grandeur may be attested to it. 93 points 2020-2025
Jul 12th, 20201997 vintage
My last bottle, been enjoying this wine for years and it is drinking better than ever. Dark rich balanced and the oak has melted in to offer Barbera at its best. Purchased on release and cellared at 52"
1997 vintage
My last bottle, been enjoying this wine for years and it is drinking better than ever. Dark rich balanced and the oak has melted in to offer Barbera at its best. Purchased on release and cellared at 52"
Last of three great bottles over the last two years.
Last of three great bottles over the last two years.
May 2nd, 2014