Barbera del Monferrato Frizzante DOC “La Monella” (2023) - Braida di Giacomo Bologna

Winemaking methods used for Barbera del Monferrato Frizzante DOC “La Monella”

Temperature-controlled fermentation in stainless steel

Temperature-controlled fermentation in stainless steel is a technique that makes it possible to produce fresh, fruity, clean wines, preserving the varietal aromas of the grapes at their best.

Charmat method (secondary fermentation in tank)

Secondary fermentation in tank, also known as the Charmat method, is a winemaking technique used to produce fresh, aromatic sparkling wines. This process takes place in large pressure vessels (autoclaves), where the wine undergoes a second fermentation thanks to the addition of sugars and selected yeasts.Characteristics of the Charmat Method ColourWhites: Bright straw yellow with greenish highlights. Rosés: Pale pink or bright salmon tones.AromasFruity: Notes of green apple, pear, peach and citrus. Floral: Hints of white flowers, acacia and wisteria.FlavourFresh and lively: With balanced acidity and a fine, persistent mousse. Light and harmonious: Ideal for drinking young and straight away.Stages of the Process 1. First Fermentation The must ferments to turn the sugars into alcohol, producing the base wine. 2. Second Fermentation The base wine is transferred into autoclaves, where the tirage liqueur (sugars and yeasts) is added. The secondary fermentation then begins, with the development of carbon dioxide and bubbles. 3. Stabilisation The sparkling wine is chilled and filtered to remove the yeast residues. 4. Bottling Once the process is complete, the wine is bottled under pressure to keep the mousse.Types of Sparkling Wine Charmat MethodBrut: Up to 12 g/l of residual sugar, fresh and dry. Extra Dry: 12-17 g/l of residual sugar, soft and fruity. Dry: 17-32 g/l of residual sugar, balanced sweetness.Ideal Grape Varieties for the Charmat Method White Grape VarietiesGlera: The heart of Prosecco production. Moscato Bianco: Perfect for aromatic and sweet sparkling wines. Chardonnay: Adds elegance and structure.Black Grape VarietiesPinot Nero: Used for elegant, aromatic rosés.Food Pairings Brut Sparkling WinesStarters: Fish tartare, salmon carpaccio. First Courses: Pasta al limone, vegetable risotto.Extra Dry Sparkling WinesSeafood Dishes: Grilled prawns, fried squid. Fried Food: Vegetable tempura, mixed fried fish.Sweet Sparkling WinesDesserts: Fruit tarts, dry biscuits. Fruit: Strawberries, melon, peach.Why Choose Secondary Fermentation in Tank? The Charmat method is ideal for anyone looking for fresh, aromatic and hugely versatile sparkling wines. Perfect for aperitifs, toasts and light pairings, it expresses at its best the characteristics of the grape variety and the terroir.

Short maceration (6-8 days)

Short maceration (6-8 days) is a winemaking technique used to obtain wines that are fresher, fruitier and with a softer tannic structure than those from longer macerations. This method is particularly used for producing light, young red wines, rosés and some macerated whites, allowing a controlled extraction of colour, aromas and tannins without weighing down the profile of the wine.

Ageing methods used for Barbera del Monferrato Frizzante DOC “La Monella”

In bottle (1–6 months)

Ageing in bottle for 1 to 6 months is a final but fundamental stage in the development of a wine. During this period, the wine – already stabilised and bottled – continues to mature away from oxygen, developing greater harmony between its components. It is a very widespread practice for wines that have completed their ageing in stainless steel or wood and that need a minimum settling time to reach the right balance before going on sale.