“Ai Suma” Barbera d’Asti DOCG 2021 · 6 bottles in OWC

Braida di Giacomo Bologna | Piedmont
Braida di Bologna Giacomo S.r.l. | Strada Provinciale 27 9 | IT 14030 Rocchetta Tanaro

05062721 · 4,5 l · 107,56 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shipping3 units available

Ai Suma is Braida's epitome of exceptional Barbera – Ai Suma, which means "We did it" in the Piedmontese dialect, was first created in 1989 by a lucky coincidence: a late harvest that gave the wine enormous maturity and complexity. Since then, Braida's top Barbera has only been vinified in outstanding years, from hand-picked grapes from old vines in sun-drenched vineyards around Rocchetta Tanaro. The 2021 vintage benefited from a harmonious vegetation cycle: a mild spring, warm but balanced summer months and a dry, sunny harvestthat lasted well into October. These conditions allowed for a late harvest with perfectly ripe berries that characterise the wine. Careful fermentation is followed by the classic ageing period of around 15 months in French barriques, followed by a longer period of rest in the bottle, which brings structure and flavour into full harmony.

Deep, bright ruby red colour and an inviting warmth. The nose reveals lush black cherry, ripe blackberry and dark plum, underpinned by nuances of liquorice, mocha, tobacco leaf and fine vanilla. On the palate, the 2021 impresses with a rich fruit centre, subtle extract sweetness, lively, precisely integrated acidity and velvety tannins that lend length and contour. The final is deep, complex and characterised by the elegant power that makes Ai Suma one of Italy's most charismatic Barberas – a warm, enveloping wine that rewards patience and further ageing, but is already showing its seductive radiance. SUPERIORE.DE

"Medium, transparent ruby red colour with garnet reflections. Very intensely fruity and spicy nose of ripe cherries and plums, liquorice and toasted notes, with hints of leather and dark chocolate. Juicy and fruity on the palate, very harmonious with a good tannin structure and a long final." Falstaff

"A savoury and earthy red wine with medium to full body, firm tannins and rich, exuberant fruit character. It goes deep into dark cherries, plums, ground spices, cocoa and smoked cedar. Dense and long lasting." James Suckling

"Aromas of plums, blackberries, chocolate, spicy pipe tobacco and earth characterise this dense, muscular red wine. The finish is compact and sturdy, with a hint of bitter almond. This wine improves with air, so decant it now or let it age for a few more years." Wine Spectator

"The Ai Suma, a rare jewel produced only in the most exceptional vintages, is a paradox in the glass. This opaque late harvest Barbera may seem imposing, but it is a wine to cuddle, with blackberry compote, dried violets, star anise and fresh vanilla merging harmoniously. Lush and mouth-filling, it is a powerhouse with restraint, thanks to well-structured tannins and appealing acidity." Wine Enthusiast