A closer look
Giacomo Bologna (entrepreneur): at a glance
Giacomo Bologna (Rocchetta Tanaro, 1938 – Rocchetta Tanaro, 1990) was an Italian entrepreneur and farmer, known for having revolutionized the perception of Barbera d'Asti, transforming it from an everyday wine to an internationally renowned wine excellence.
Biography
Son of Giuseppe Bologna, nicknamed "Braida" for his ability in the game of elastic ball, Giacomo inherited the passion for viticulture and family vineyards to...Explore this chapter
Son of Giuseppe Bologna, nicknamed "Braida" for his ability in the game of elastic ball, Giacomo inherited the passion for viticulture and family vineyards to Rocchetta Tanaro, in the province of Asti.
In 1961 he founded the winery Braided, starting the production of the sparkling Barbera del Monferrato La Monella. During the 1980s he introduced innovative techniques for the time, such as barrique refinement, to improve the quality of Barbera[1].
In 1982 the famous was born Bricco dell'Uccellone, followed by Bricco della Bigotta (1985) and since To Suma (1989), the latter produced from late harvested grapes. Thanks to these wines, Giacomo Bologna established himself as one of the pioneers of the qualitative renewal of Barbera in Piemonte[2].
He was also a promoter of wine culture, actively participating in fairs, events and moments of dissemination related to Piedmont food and wine[3].
inheritance
After his death in 1990, the company Braida was led by his sons Raffaella and Giuseppe, who continued his father's philosophy, keeping the attention on...Explore this chapter
After his disappearance in 1990, the company Braida was led by his sons Raffaella and Giuseppe, who continued their father’s philosophy, keeping their attention on quality and innovation.
In 2024 the company obtained the recognition of "National Interests Historical Mark", awarded by the Ministry of Enterprise and Made in Italy to Italian companies with a long historical tradition and territorial rooting[4].
The company produces approximately 700,000 bottles per year, from vineyards extended over about 70 hectares distributed between Rocchetta Tanaro and other municipalities of Piemonte[1].
Cultural heritage
In 2012, the director Giulia Graglia made the documentary Il re del mono, dedicated to Giacomo Bologna. The film, lasting 44 minutes, recounts the...Explore this chapter
In 2012, director Giulia Graglia made the documentary The King of the Monster, dedicated to the figure of Giacomo Bologna. The film, lasting 44 minutes, tells the life of the Piedmontese producer through testimonies of family, friends and colleagues, including Bruno Lauzi, Luigi Veronelli and Gianni Basso. The documentary was premiered at the "Corto e Fieno" rural film festival, where it obtained first prize.[5][6]
The book is also dedicated to the figure of Bologna The Big Jack. History of Giacomo Bologna by Niki Stefi, edited by Seminar Veronelli Editore in 2013.[7]
Recognition
In honor of his figure, the Giacomo Bologna Prize – Quality of Life was established, given to distinguished personalities in the fields of culture, science and...Explore this chapter
In honor of his figure was established the Giacomo Bologna Award – Quality of Life, awarded to personalities who have distinguished themselves in the fields of culture, science and society[2].
Notes
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- ^ to b Braida – Producer, up Xtrawin. Retrieved 27 May 2025.
- ^ to b Giacomo Bologna, the man who invented Barbera, up Astigiani, November 2013. Retrieved 27 May 2025.
- ^ Memory/Future: Anna Martinengo and Giacomo Bologna, up Agromagazine. Retrieved 27 May 2025.
- ^ Braida gets the Historical Mark, up Braida.it, 2024. Retrieved 27 May 2025.
- ^ The King of the Monster, up Corto and Fieno. Retrieved 2 June 2025.
- ^ Giulia Graglia and “The King of the Monster”, the man who reinvented Barbera, up The Daily Fact, 24 September 2012. Retrieved 2 June 2025.
- ^ Niki Stefi, The Big Jack. History of Giacomo Bologna, Seminario Veronelli Editore, 2013, ISBN 9788872500675.
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