Grape Variety
Brachetto
"brah-KEHT-toh"
Wine Styles
Sparkling
Light White
Full White
Aromatic
Rosé
Light Red
Medium Red
Full Red
DessertAbout Brachetto
Origin
Piedmont, Italy
History
Brachetto is a red Italian wine grape variety grown predominantly in the Piedmont region of northwest Italy. It has been cultivated in the Acqui Terme area since ancient times. The grape is primarily used to produce Brachetto d’Acqui, a sweet, sparkling red wine that gained DOCG status in 1996. Historically, Brachetto was sometimes made into dry table wine, but this practice has become increasingly rare.
Appearance
Medium-sized, ellipsoidal berries with a dark purplish-black hue, growing in elongated, cylindrical-pyramidal, and rather compact clusters.
Growing Traits
Brachetto vines have medium to moderate vigor, ensuring regular fertility but low volumes. They are particularly suited for making sweet, aromatic, sparkling, or semi-sparkling wines. Early ripening preserves Brachetto from molds and rots, while it is more prone to viral infections like leafroll.
Wine Characteristics
Body
1/5
Sweetness
4/5
Tannin
1/5
Acidity
3/5
Alcohol
1/5
Light-bodied with a delicate and effervescent texture, offering a refreshing and lively mouthfeel. Typically sweet, with noticeable residual sugar that complements its fruity and floral flavors. Low tannin levels, contributing to its smooth and approachable profile without astringency. Moderate acidity, providing balance to its sweetness and enhancing its refreshing character. Low alcohol content, typically around 5%, making it light and easy to enjoy.
Taste Profile
Strawberry
Raspberry
Rose
Cherry
Citrus
Brachetto wines are characterized by bright red fruit flavors such as strawberry and raspberry, complemented by floral notes of rose petals. Subtle hints of cherry and citrus add complexity, all balanced by moderate acidity and a sweet, refreshing finish.
Food Pairing
Brachetto's sweet and aromatic profile makes it an excellent match for desserts, particularly those featuring chocolate and red fruits. It pairs well with berry tarts, chocolate mousse, and strawberry-based desserts. Its light body and effervescence also complement fresh fruit and mild cheeses.
Growing Regions
Italy
Piedmont (provinces of Alessandria and Asti)
Notable Wines & Producers
Brachetto d’Acqui DOCG
Braida
Marenco
Banfi
Brachetto FAQ
Common questions about this grape variety
What is the origin of Brachetto?
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Piedmont, Italy
Is Brachetto wine full bodied?
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Brachetto has a body level of 1 out of 5. Which means that Brachetto is Light bodied.
Is Brachetto wine dry or sweet?
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Brachetto has a dryness level of 4 out of 5. Which means that Brachetto is Sweet.
Where is Brachetto wine from?
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Piedmont, Italy
Where is Brachetto grown?
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Brachetto is grown in Italy (Piedmont (provinces of Alessandria and Asti)).
What is Brachetto like?
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Brachetto wines are characterized by bright red fruit flavors such as strawberry and raspberry, complemented by floral notes of rose petals. Subtle hints of cherry and citrus add complexity, all balanced by moderate acidity and a sweet, refreshing finish.
What does Brachetto pair with?
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Brachetto's sweet and aromatic profile makes it an excellent match for desserts, particularly those featuring chocolate and red fruits. It pairs well with berry tarts, chocolate mousse, and strawberry-based desserts. Its light body and effervescence also complement fresh fruit and mild cheeses.
What does Brachetto taste like?
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Brachetto wines are characterized by bright red fruit flavors such as strawberry and raspberry, complemented by floral notes of rose petals. Subtle hints of cherry and citrus add complexity, all balanced by moderate acidity and a sweet, refreshing finish.
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