Brachetto d’Acqui: grape variety, history and organoleptic characteristics of Cleopatra’s favorite wine
Brachetto d’Acqui DOCG is the eternal second, the slightly snubbed brother of the noblest Asti Spumante, despite being a wine with a glorious past, known since the Roman times, with the name of Vinum Acquense.
This wine was considered aphrodisiac nectar because of its sweetness and the legend says that Cleopatra was fond of it and both Julius Caesar and Marco Antonio freed several amphorae in the company of the Egyptian queen. But we well know that Greeks and Romans “drank differently” and if it was a sweet wine even better since they used to cut wine with honey.
Of course, there is no official proof or document, this is only a legend, yet this ancient wine was sweet and aromatic, just like our friend Brachetto: maybe it’s just a coincidence or maybe he managed to survive the millennia.
But why do we dwell so much on the history of Brachetto wine? Quite simply because it is the only suggestive feature of this wine. There is not much to say about this Piedmontese wine: Brachetto is a classic aromatic and sweet wine that smells of roses in an incredible way, but aside from the initial surprise,. the enthusiasm fades after the first glass.
It is not an engaging wine, it has a very bland structure, it is fresh and simple and that’s all. Don’t expect a legendary or a particular wine with a great story to tell. The alcohol content is usually around 11.5 degrees and it is not a wine that can evolve: it is advisable to consume it within the year of bottling, especially if it is produced in the sparkling version.
Classification of the Brachetto d’Acqui DOCG wine
We have four interpretations: red wine, sparkling wine, rosé sparkling wine, and passito (raisin wine). In reality, on the market there is practically only sparkling wine, industrially produced with the Martinotti method, do not expect refermentations in the bottle. Red wine has a minimum of 11.5% alcohol, sparkling wine 12 and passito 16.
Grapes and production area of Brachetto d’Acqui DOCG
The Brachetto d’Acqui DOCG is produced only varietal, 100% only baby! The production area is the strip of municipalities between Acqui Terme and Nizza Monferrato.
Organoleptic characteristics of Brachetto d’Acqui DOCG
The bouquet is fine, floral with a thousand rose petals, small fruits, cherries, citrus fruits, a drizzle of mint and many fruits.
What does Brachetto d’Acqui wine taste like?
On the palate it is light, flowing, with fine perlage and lean drinkability. It is not a champion, but if combined with the right desserts, such as apple pie it is not even bad. You read that right, our beloved Brachetto is a DOCG, a gift made to ennoble it, even if in theory DOCG is a title of merit, a recognition reserved for quality productions. Ok, it was Cleopatra’s wine, but giving it the DOCG is a joke and once again makes it clear how little the Italian classification system is credible.
Brachetto wine pairings
It’s sweet and slightly tannic nature is perfect to tame classic chocolate cakes, cheesecakes, apple pie and tiramisù.