Giuseppe Bologna was a wheelwright by trade. He owned a large Barbera vineyard at Rocchetta Tanaro and made a little wine for himself and his friends. Giuseppe’s son Giacomo inherited the vineyard and his father’s nickname, Braida, which he gave to the vineyard. In 1982, after a study tour of Californian wineries, Giacomo drastically decreased his harvests and began to make wine in small barrels. This gave Barbera, low in tannin and rich in acids, a more complex and elegant structure. Giacomo Bologna’s love of the land, wine and life produced a superb Barbera. Barbera had previously been used for cheap local wine and was catapulted into the arena of great wines known all over the world.

As with a few of the Braida wines, they are so-called for the eccentric locals who lived near the vineyard sites. In this case 'Bigotta' was named for a religious woman who valued the appearance of piousness rather than the substance of it. This wine is from a single vineyard which is one of the top sites in Rocchetta Tanaro.

Made with 100% Barbera grapes grown in estate-owned vineyards in Rocchetta Tanaro.

Ruby-garnet red colour with purplish highlights. A rich, intense and persistent perfume, well-evolved, with sensations of liquorice, violet, plum and vanilla. Fruit and spice emerge on the palate, with flavours ranging from roast coffee to stronger yet nicely balanced spices, vigorous and intense. Its rich expression is due to the spices that envelop the flavour of ripe plum (the most evident fruit), conveying a suave and potent touch. 

Deep red colour with a trace of purple and a pungently spicy bouquet, loaded with bitter herb Campari-like nuances. It's full-bodied and deep, with abundant tannin and flavour that floods the mouth. There's a note of oak as well as almond and walnut overtones. A very smart wine that will take some age well. Drink: 2019-2030; Price: $195.00; Rating: 96 Points; Huon Hooke; The Real Review