2004 Braida Barbera d'Asti Ai Suma

In the early 1980s the late Giacomo Bologna essentially invented the idea of making a rich, world-class red wine by aging Barbera in small French oak barrels, putting Asti's Barberas on the map in the process. His family's estate offers three barrique-aged Barberas, all deeply colored, juicy and penetrating, loaded with dark fruits and spices. The Ai Suma, made in the best years from a vineyard harvested late for maximum ripeness, generally needs time in bottle to absorb its oak element. These are some of the finest Barberas that you will find, but there's a price tag to match.

In the early 1980s the late Giacomo Bologna essentially invented the idea of making a rich, world-class red wine by aging Barbera in small French oak barrels, putting Asti's Barberas on the map in the process. His family's estate offers three barrique-aged Barberas, all dee... more