Braida Bricco dell'Uccellone Barbera d'Asti

About this wine

Bricco dell'Uccellone is the legendary single-vineyard Barbera that changed Italian wine history. In 1982, Giacomo Bologna of Braida made the bold decision to harvest Barbera grapes later than usual and age them in French oak barriques — the first producer to do so in Piedmont. The wine is sourced from vines planted in 1972 on the Bricco dell'Uccellone hillside in Rocchetta Tanaro, at 160 metres altitude on clay and sand soils with south-eastern exposure. After 20 days of temperature-controlled maceration, the wine ages 12 months in French oak barriques and a further 12 months in bottle. The result is a rich, full-bodied Barbera d'Asti DOCG with intense aromas of blackberry, black cherry, cocoa, and subtle toasted oak balanced by the variety's signature vibrant acidity and velvety tannins. Recognised as the first Barbera sold internationally, it holds the Wein Legende award (2019, Cologne), back-to-back Best Barbera titles in the Guida Essenziale ai Vini d'Italia (2025 & 2026), and 96 points from Wine Enthusiast for the 2021 vintage.

Sommelier's Note

"The wine that single-handedly elevated Barbera from a simple daily red to an internationally acclaimed classic — one bottle is worth more than a thousand words about Italian wine's potential."

Food Pairings

A natural partner for hearty Piedmontese dishes such as braised beef in Barolo, slow-cooked wild boar, roasted lamb, and truffle-based pasta. Its vibrant acidity also cuts through the richness of aged cheeses like Parmigiano-Reggiano and Castelmagno. For a Japanese pairing, try unagi no kabayaki (grilled eel with sweet soy glaze) — the wine's acidity lifts the fatty richness beautifully. Gyuniku no miso-ni (beef simmered in red miso) and yakitori with teriyaki sauce are equally inspired matches. Serve at 16-18 degrees C.

When to drink it

Ideal for landmark celebrations, milestone anniversaries, and formal dinner parties. A prestigious gift choice for serious wine lovers. Best enjoyed alongside a carefully prepared special meal rather than as an aperitif.

Specs

Grape Varieties

Barbera

Style

Red

Price Range

$75-95 (USA) / 10,000-15,000 yen (Japan)

Terroir & Winemaking

Appellation: Barbera d'Asti DOCG. Grape variety: 100% Barbera. Vineyard: Bricco dell'Uccellone, Rocchetta Tanaro (AT), Piedmont. Vine age: planted 1972. Altitude: 160 m a.s.l. Soil: clay and sand. Exposure: south-east. Yield: approximately 45 hl/ha. Harvest: manual, late harvest for optimum ripeness. Winemaking: temperature-controlled maceration on skins for 20 days. Aging: 12 months in French oak barriques (225 L), followed by 12 months bottle aging. Alcohol: approximately 14-14.5% vol. Production: limited single-vineyard bottling.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Bricco dell'Uccellone taste like?

Expect intense aromas of blackberry, black cherry, cocoa, and subtle toasted oak from the barrique aging, underpinned by Barbera's signature bright acidity. The palate is rich, full-bodied, and long-finishing with velvety tannins.

Why is this wine historically important?

First produced in 1982 by Giacomo Bologna, it was the first Barbera to be aged in French oak barriques and the first Barbera sold internationally. It sparked a revolution that transformed how the world views the Barbera grape variety.

How long can I cellar it?

Although it is approachable upon release, Bricco dell'Uccellone evolves and gains complexity for 10-15 years from the vintage date. Top vintages can cellar even longer.

What food pairs best with it?

Braised meats, roasted lamb, game, truffle pasta, and aged cheeses are classic matches. For Japanese cuisine, grilled eel with sweet soy glaze (unagi kabayaki) and beef simmered in red miso work exceptionally well.

What awards has this wine received?

It won the Wein Legende award in 2019, back-to-back Best Barbera d'Italia in the Guida Essenziale ai Vini d'Italia (2025 & 2026), Bibenda Cinque Grappoli 2026, and 96 points from Wine Enthusiast (2021 vintage).