The 2006 Barbera d’Asti Montebruna is the estate’s entry-level Barbera and also the most classic of the wines as it is aged in cask. This fresh, vibrant Barbera is loaded with gorgeous black cherries, menthol and minerals followed by balsamic notes that develop in the glass. It offers a lovely balance in the way it marries notable concentration with a firm, classic sense of structure. While I haven’t tasted the top-of the line 2006s yet, this effort certainly augurs well for those wines. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2011.
Braida is based in Rocchetta Tanaro, in the province of Asti. Although the property is best-known for its large-scaled, super-ripe Barberas, the simpler wines in the range merit close attention as well.
Importer: Vinifera Imports, Ronkonkoma, NY; tel. (631) 467-5907