 Brachetto d'Acqui is a unique red grape variety from Piedmont in Italy which produces an even more interesting sparkling wine. Sparkling Brachetto is much in demand in Europe, although output is extremely limited. In the USA , this wine is starting to get some recognition, especially because many restaurants pour it during holidays such as Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, Easter and Christmas.
Brachetto's origin is much disputed. According to the most reasonable hypothesis, this grape variety originated in the hills around Asti and, more probably, in the Monferrato, which is the home of many other famous Piedmontese wines. However, Demaria and Leardi in their "Ampelografia della Provincia di Alessandria" (Ampelography of Alessandria's Province) , published in 1875, argued that Piedmontese Brachetto, which is very odorous and aromatic, originated in Nizza Marittima (Nice).
Brachetto is sweet and sparkling and can be enjoyed as a delicious aperitif, between-meal or as an after-dinner sparkler. It is ruby in color and very aromatic and floral on the nose. On the palate Brachetto reminds of raspberries and rose petals. The alcohol content is notoriously low. This wine is a perfect pair with chocolate, strawberries, fruit salads and a wide range of
desserts.
Production:
Brachetto is produced in 18 communes in the province of Asti and 8 in the province of Alessandria (PIEDMONT). Only hilly vineyards with appropriate slopes and exposures whose marly terrains are primarily clayey-calcareous in nature are considered suitable for production.
Producers: 202.
Number of hectares cultivated: 61.36.
Maximum possible output: 3,436 hl.
Amount produced: 2,177 hl.
Varieties: Brachetto, to which Aleatico and Moscato Nero can be added, up to a maximum of 20%.
Maximum yield per hectare: 80 quintals.
Maximum yield of wine from grapes: 70%.
Minimum alcohol level: 11.5 °C, of which 6% developed in alcohol.
Total minimum acidity: 5 ppt.
Minimum net dry extract: 20 ppt.
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