Brachetto d'Acqui

The wines of Acqui have a remarkable lineage. The region's production was known in Ancient Rome as vinum acquense, the wine of Acqui, and was reportedly favored by Julius Caesar and Marc Antony. Sweet, frothy red wine has been a fixture of Piedmontese culture for centuries, and the modern sparkling version was first produced by Arturo Bersano in the late 19th century. The appellation received DOC status in 1969 and was elevated to DOCG in 1996. A producer consortium formed in 1992 now counts approximately 60 member wineries.

• Known in Ancient Rome as vinum acquense, favored by Caesar and Marc Antony
• Sparkling version first produced by Arturo Bersano in the late 19th century
• DOC status granted 1969; elevated to DOCG in 1996
• Producer consortium established 1992, now with around 60 member wineries

Brachetto d'Acqui is produced across 26 communes, 8 in the province of Alessandria and 18 in the province of Asti, within the Monferrato hills of Piedmont. Vineyards sit at elevations between 150 and 400 meters on soils of calcareous clay and marl, with some sandy-limestone areas. The climate is continental, featuring cold winters, warm summers, and significant diurnal temperature variation. Mediterranean and Alpine influences both shape the growing season, helping to preserve the grape's naturally vivid aromatics.

• 26 communes in total: 8 in Alessandria, 18 in Asti provinces
• Elevations range from 150 to 400 meters in the Monferrato hills
• Soils are primarily calcareous clay and marl, with sandy-limestone areas
• Continental climate with Mediterranean and Alpine influences and strong day-night temperature swings

Brachetto is believed native to Piedmont, though some debate exists over possible French origins. The grape must make up 100% of all Brachetto d'Acqui wines, with no other varieties permitted. It produces wines with characteristically low tannins and low alcohol, making it one of the most approachable red wine grapes in Italy. Its aromatic intensity, centered on rose petal, strawberry, raspberry, and violet, is the defining feature of wines made from this variety.

• Believed native to Piedmont, though French origins are debated
• 100% Brachetto required by DOCG regulations
• Naturally low tannins and low alcohol (typically 5.5 to 7% ABV)
• Signature aromatics: rose, strawberry, raspberry, and violet

Brachetto d'Acqui is produced in four distinct styles: frizzante (semi-sparkling), spumante (fully sparkling), still, and passito (made from dried grapes). The sparkling versions are produced using the Charmat method. Minimum alcohol requirements are set at 5% for frizzante and 6% for spumante. A rosé designation was introduced in 2017, broadening the stylistic range of the appellation. Annual production totals approximately 2 million liters, or around 225,000 cases, from 781 hectares under vine as of 2021.

• Four styles: frizzante, spumante, still, and passito
• Charmat method used for all sparkling versions
• Minimum ABV: 5% frizzante, 6% spumante; typical range 5.5 to 7%
• Rosé designation introduced 2017; approximately 2 million liters produced annually