Brachetto

Brachetto is believed native to the Monferrato hills and the area around Asti in Piedmont, with cultivation in the Acqui Terme zone documented since ancient times. Historical references to vinum acquense in Ancient Rome describe it as a favorite of patricians. The grape also appears in Commedia dell'arte tradition, where the character Gianduja expressed a preference for it. Like many Italian varieties, Brachetto nearly vanished during the phylloxera crisis of the late 19th century but was successfully revived through the 20th century.

• Cultivated around Acqui Terme since ancient times
• Referenced as vinum acquense in Ancient Roman texts
• Nearly lost during the phylloxera crisis of the late 19th century
• Also known by the alternate names Borgogna and Birbet

The Brachetto d'Acqui DOCG spans 26 communes across two provinces: 18 in Asti and 8 in Alessandria, primarily centered on the Monferrato hills. Soils are a mix of calcareous clay, marl, sandy soils, and limestone. The climate is continental, shaped by Mediterranean and Alpine influences, with cool winters and hot summers. This combination encourages the early ripening that makes Brachetto less susceptible to molds and rots.

• 26 communes total: 18 in Asti, 8 in Alessandria
• Soils include calcareous clay, marl, and sandy limestone
• Continental climate with Mediterranean and Alpine influences
• Early-ripening variety with natural resistance to molds and rots

Brachetto d'Acqui is a light-bodied, highly aromatic wine produced at a low 5-7% ABV. It is frequently compared to Moscato d'Asti as its red counterpart, sharing the same delicate sweetness and effervescence but with a distinctive red-fruit character. Flavors center on strawberries, raspberries, rose petals, and violets. The wine is made using the Charmat method, with secondary fermentation taking place in pressurized tanks rather than bottle. It must be consumed young; extended cellaring is not appropriate for this style.

• Typical ABV of 5-7%, making it one of Italy's lowest-alcohol reds
• Aromas of strawberry, raspberry, rose petal, and violet
• Charmat (tank) method used for sparkling production
• Drink young; not suitable for aging

Under the Brachetto d'Acqui DOCG, the wine must be produced from 100% Brachetto grapes with a maximum yield of 8 tonnes per hectare. Four distinct styles are permitted: Rosso (frizzante, with light effervescence), Spumante (fully sparkling), Passito (from dried grapes), and Rosé. The DOCG was established in 1996, building on the DOC designation first granted in 1969. Around 781 hectares were under vine as of 2021.

• 100% Brachetto required; no blending permitted
• Maximum yield: 8 tonnes per hectare
• Four permitted styles: Rosso, Spumante, Passito, Rosé
• DOCG since 1996, DOC from 1969