2007 Braida Barbera D'Asti Bricco dell Uccellone 3 Liter

The 2007 vintage is the smallest in the last 60 years. About 40.5 million hectolitres of wine will be made, 18% less than the 49,631,000 hectolitres made in 2006. 2,580,000 hectolitres of wine will be made in Piedmont , 20% less than in 2006. This year's weather was unusual, with drought extending to October, followed by a few storms that only partially replenished the water reserves. Temperatures were above average in the winter and spring. As a result, flowering was 10-20 days earlier than normal. Temperatures remained above average during the entire vintage. The weather during the vintage was hot and sunny, with rain in late August that balanced the ripening of red grapes. Day-time and night-time temperatures stayed high until mid-September, after which temperature ranges returned to more normal levels. The grapes are in excellent health. The small grapes and whole but thick skins partially make up for the smaller amount produced. Sugar level is quite high, especially in red grape varieties which, in several cases, are expected to reach 15% alcohol.