Country: Italy

Region: Piedmont

Vintage: 2016

Cépage: Barbera (100%)

Size: 750 ml

Rating(s): 95 (RP); 93 (JS)

"Here's an Italian icon in all its glory. The Braida 2016 Barbera d'Asti Bricco dell'Uccellone is a layered and rich expression of Barbera. This wine has benefitted from a few extra years of bottle age to show elegant and integrated results. The bouquet reveals seamless transitions with dark fruit, spice and dried blackberry. It sits firmly on the palate, imparting ample textural richness and lasting fruit flavors. However, the main takeaway here is the bright acidity that is always at the top of any Barbera playlist. That freshness breaks apart the wine's texture and dark fruit, giving it the latitude to pair with a cream or butter-heavy dish."

Monica Larner (RP) - 10/20