Brachetto

Brachetto is a red grape variety, native to Piedmont, Italy. It is most commonly used to make the well-known sweet sparkling wine, Brachetto d'Acqui.

Brachetto is a dark-skinned grape, which gives the wine a vibrant deep pink color. Its wines are fragrant, fruity and moderately sweet, with intense notes of rose, strawberry and raspberry. On the palate, they are light-bodied, low in alcohol, with low tannins and a bright, fresh acidity.

Brachetto is mostly grown in the Piedmont region of Italy. However, it is also grown in other Italian regions, such as Emilia-Romagna. It is also found in California, Australia, and Argentina. Brachetto is a low-yielding variety and can be difficult to grow. It is generally grown in small yields and needs good drainage and some protection from strong winds. The grapes are usually harvested late in the season, when they are fully ripe. Brachetto is the only grape variety used to make the sparkling wine Brachetto d'Acqui and rarely used in blend. The region of Piedmont is renowned for producing the finest examples of Brachetto. Here, the wines are light and aromatic, with a slightly sweet, fruity character. They are usually made in a sparkling style, both frizzante and spumante, with a deep pink colour and fine bubbles. Brachetto pairs well with light, fruity desserts, soft cheeses, fruit tarts and puddings. It also works well with spicy dishes, such as Indian curries.

According to legend, Brachetto was the wine that Marc Antony and Julius Caesar presented to Cleopatra in order to gain her favor.