Wineshark Wine Tasting - Braida

Braida's story is linked to Rocchetta Tanaro, a small town in the Monferrato area. In the old days, there are only about 10 vineyards, 6 houses and 1 church, of which some of the vineyards belonged to Braida, owned by Giuseppe Bologna.

was the nickname that Giuseppe, a professional carter, has earned himself by playing handball, because of his resemblance of the champion of this sport. The vineyard was later left to his son Giacomo, who inherited his love of the sport and of horses, and a large Barbera vineyard. 

In 1961, Giacomo decided to bottle the lively Barbera del Monferrato ‘La Monella’. And then in 1969 he presented the wine at the Douja d’Or National Wine Competition in Asti, winning the gold medal, allowing him to start share his thoughts on Barbera with other winemakers.

By 1982, he began to experiment the innovative idea of pairing Barbera with barrique. With the exceptional vintage, the wine Bricco dell’Uccellone received successful reviews. Two other Barbera wines were born in those years, with Bricco della Bigotta in 1985, and Ai Suma in 1989. All three were only made in the best vintages.

The family bought the Serra dei Fiori estate in Trezzo Tinella in 1988, running together with brothers Renzo and Valerio Giacosa. With help from Professor Roberto Macaluso, they planted white varieties including Nascetta there, launching the Braida white wine project.

Unfortunately, Giacomo died in 1990, and his children, Raffaella and Giuseppe, with their mother Anna Martinengo, took over the management of the company, continuing to pursue Giacomo’s great dream. 

Later on, in 1994, the first vintage of Il Baciale, a project by Giuseppe to marry Barbera with Pinot Noir, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, was launched. Another milestone was in 2001 when the vineyards of Montebruna got its first harvest. 

The Braida properties are located between Monferrato Astigiano and Langhe districts. The heart of activities is represented by the vineyards of Rocchetta Tanaro, with the soils featuring sand and clay in almost equal proportion.