# Barbera d'Asti Ai Suma (2019)

- **Producer:** Braida
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Barbera
- **Region:** Piemonte, Italy
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 16.0%
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 18–20 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** prunes, red plum, black cherry, ripe red fruit, toasted wood, liquorice, vanilla, chocolate, cloves, leather

## About this wine

Barbera d'Asti Ai Suma 2019 is a distinguished red wine from Braida, located in Piedmont, Italy. The wine's name, 'Ai Suma,' translates to 'We did it' in the Piedmontese dialect, reflecting a moment of achievement. This wine is produced exclusively in outstanding years, representing the pinnacle of Braida's winemaking efforts. Braida, established in 1961, has a deep connection to the Barbera grape, with founder Giacomo Bologna pioneering barrel aging for the varietal. The winery is now managed by the third generation of the Bologna family. Ai Suma is recognized for showcasing the Barbera grape's potential for concentration and complexity, often compared to the power and richness of Amarone.

## Interesting facts

- Ai Suma means 'We did it' in Piedmontese dialect.
- It's Braida's top Barbera, made only in the best years.
- Sometimes called the 'Amarone of Asti' for its power.
- First created in 1989 by a fortunate late harvest.

## Food pairing

The wine's full body and structured tannins complement the richness of red meats and game, while its inherent acidity cuts through fatty components, cleansing the palate. Notes of dark fruit and spice in the wine find echoes in savory dishes and certain cheeses.

## Wine making process

The Barbera d'Asti Ai Suma 2019 is produced from hand-picked grapes from old vines. Fermentation and maceration take place in stainless steel tanks, with maceration on skins lasting up to 20 days at controlled temperatures. Following fermentation, the wine is aged for 15 months in 225-liter oak barrels (barriques). It then undergoes an additional 12 months of bottle aging before release. The harvest for this vintage occurred late, a deliberate choice to maximize grape ripeness and sugar content.