# Il Bacialé Monferrato Rosso DOC (2019)

- **Producer:** Braida di Giacomo Bologna
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Barbera, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir
- **Region:** Piemonte, Italy
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 15.0%
- **Average price:** €19
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** black plum, raspberry, red cherry, black cherry, blackcurrant, cedar, vanilla, cloves, earth, tobacco, leather

## About this wine

Il Bacialé Monferrato Rosso DOC 2019 is a red wine from Piedmont, Italy, produced by Braida. Its name, meaning 'matchmaker' in the local dialect, signifies its blend of Barbera (60%) with Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Pinot Noir. Braida, founded by Giacomo Bologna, is known for its pioneering work with Barbera, including aging it in barriques. The winery is now managed by his children, Raffaella and Giuseppe Bologna. The grapes are sourced from vineyards in Castelnuovo Calcea, Rocchetta Tanaro, and San Marzano Oliveto, situated on hills with south-eastern exposure.

## Interesting facts

- Il Bacialé means 'matchmaker' in the local Piedmontese dialect.
- The blend includes Barbera, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Pinot Noir.
- Braida's founder, Giacomo Bologna, pioneered aging Barbera in barriques.
- Grapes are sourced from vineyards in Castelnuovo Calcea, Rocchetta Tanaro, and San Marzano Oliveto.

## Food pairing

The wine's medium+ body and fine-grained tannins complement the richness of red meats and game, while its balanced acidity cuts through fattier dishes. The blend's complexity can echo earthy notes in mushrooms or herbs in roasted meats.

## Wine making process

Il Bacialé is crafted by vinifying each grape variety separately. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, utilizing techniques such as pumping over and délestage for about three weeks. Following fermentation, the wine is aged for 12 months in selected barriques, with some vintages receiving additional aging in large casks. Grapes are hand-harvested and selected before vinification.