About this wine
La Monella is Braida's founding wine — first produced in 1961, it was the very first Barbera to be bottled and labelled under its own proper name, marking the beginning of the estate's story. Made from young-vine Barbera sourced across several of Braida's Monferrato vineyards, it is vinified without oak: after about 10 days of fermentation, the wine is aged roughly four months in pressurised stainless-steel tanks, which preserves its lively, gently sparkling (frizzante) character. The name means 'the naughty/mischievous girl' in Italian, reflecting the wine's playful, unpretentious personality. In the glass it shows a vivid purplish-ruby colour with a lively froth, aromas of ripe cherry, wild berries, dried blood orange, spice and chocolate, and a medium-bodied, juicy palate with polished tannins, bright acidity and a fresh, citrussy finish.
The most approachable wine in the Braida range — light, gently fizzy and fruit-forward, a perfect casual introduction to Barbera before trying the estate's more serious barrique-aged crus.
Sommelier's Note
"Before Barbera became a serious wine, it was La Monella — the mischievous, gently sparkling red that started Braida's story in 1961 and still captures Barbera's playful, everyday side better than anything else in the range."
Food Pairings
An easy, versatile match for pizza, cured meats and salumi, light pasta dishes and casual weeknight fare. Its bright acidity and gentle fizz also make it a fun match for fried foods.
When to drink it
Casual gatherings, pizza nights, everyday drinking with friends.
Specs
- Grape Varieties
- Barbera
- Style
- Red, Sparkling
- Alcohol
- 14%
- Price Range
- ¥3,000-4,000
Terroir & Winemaking
Appellation: Barbera del Monferrato Frizzante DOC. Grape: 100% Barbera, sourced from young vines across several Braida-owned vineyards in the Monferrato hills. Vinification: no oak; approx. 10 days of fermentation followed by roughly 4 months of ageing in pressurised stainless-steel tanks to retain its natural frizzante character. ABV: approx. 14%. First vintage: 1961 — Braida's founding wine.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What does 'La Monella' mean?
- It's Italian for 'the naughty/mischievous girl', a name that reflects this wine's playful, lighthearted character compared to Braida's more serious barrique-aged Barberas.
- Is La Monella sparkling?
- It's a frizzante (gently sparkling) red wine, aged in pressurised stainless-steel tanks rather than oak, which preserves its natural, lively fizz and fresh fruit character.
- Why is La Monella historically important for Braida?
- First made in 1961, La Monella was the first Barbera ever bottled and labelled under its own proper name, marking the founding moment of the Braida estate.
- How should La Monella be served?
- Serve lightly chilled, around 14-16°C, to highlight its fresh acidity and lively fizz — it's best enjoyed young rather than cellared.
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