From the cellar, I picked a bottle of Ai Suma 2008 from Braida, a wine that brings a smile before it even reaches the glass. Braida, the estate founded by Giacomo Bologna and now run by his family, is the benchmark for Barbera in Piedmont. With Ai Suma — a local dialect expression meaning “here we are” — they set out to show just how great and intense Barbera can be when taken seriously.
The 2008 vintage still appears remarkably youthful today. In the glass, it shows a deep ruby-red colour, almost opaque. The nose is exuberant and seductive: ripe cherries, blackberries and plums, followed by notes of vanilla, cocoa, liquorice and a touch of spice. Everything is rich and generous, yet beautifully lifted by freshness.
On the palate, the wine is both powerful and juicy. Classic Barbera: abundant fruit and vibrant acidity, but here with added depth and structure from ageing. The tannins are soft, almost velvety, and the finish is long, warm and generous. This is not a modest wine; it is Barbera with ambition and presence.
For food pairings, I immediately think of the hearty cuisine of Piedmont: pasta with rich meat sauces, grilled meats, or dishes featuring tomato and herbs, where the wine’s lively acidity cuts beautifully through the richness. It is equally at home alongside charcuterie and aged cheeses.
The 2008 is currently at a wonderful stage of evolution: open, rounded and fully expressive, yet still carrying enough energy to continue developing for several more years. A wine that perfectly demonstrates why Braida elevated Barbera to a higher level—generous, intense, and crafted above all for enjoyment.
The 2008 vintage still appears remarkably youthful today. In the glass, it shows a deep ruby-red colour, almost opaque. The nose is exuberant and seductive: ripe cherries, blackberries and plums, followed by notes of vanilla, cocoa, liquorice and a touch of spice. Everything is rich and generous, yet beautifully lifted by freshness.
On the palate, the wine is both powerful and juicy. Classic Barbera: abundant fruit and vibrant acidity, but here with added depth and structure from ageing. The tannins are soft, almost velvety, and the finish is long, warm and generous. This is not a modest wine; it is Barbera with ambition and presence.
For food pairings, I immediately think of the hearty cuisine of Piedmont: pasta with rich meat sauces, grilled meats, or dishes featuring tomato and herbs, where the wine’s lively acidity cuts beautifully through the richness. It is equally at home alongside charcuterie and aged cheeses.
The 2008 is currently at a wonderful stage of evolution: open, rounded and fully expressive, yet still carrying enough energy to continue developing for several more years. A wine that perfectly demonstrates why Braida elevated Barbera to a higher level—generous, intense, and crafted above all for enjoyment.