There are many small winegrowers in Piedmont, Italy. They often have small vineyards that are often passed down through generations and divided among family members. It's incredibly difficult to make a living from these kinds of vineyards. A wine cooperative can offer a solution. That's how Acquesi was founded in 1952. They buy the grapes from these small winegrowers and produce fine wines from them. Acquesi is one of the largest, modern, and dynamic cooperatives in the region.
The Brachetto grapes are harvested in early September when they are optimally ripe. This includes checking for fruit integrity and sufficient acidity. Freshness is paramount. The vines are planted in the southwest at an altitude of 250 to 400 meters. This creates a cool breeze, keeping the wines beautifully fresh. After harvest, the grapes are cold-soaked on the skins for four to five days. This gives the wine its characteristic color and adds some character. After fermentation, the Brachetto d'Acqui Valle Delle Rose is bottled with the carbon dioxide from fermentation, resulting in a sweet red sparkling wine.
As soon as we pour this deep purple-red wine, the aromas burst from the glass. Violets, black cherries, blueberries, and so on. The nose is broad and open, and irresistibly delicious. As expected, it has a full, fruity flavor with a pleasant mousse. Delightfully sweet with flavors of red and black fruit, cherries, and a counterbalanced fresh acidity. It's ideal as an aperitif, but also very nice with a savory tart with goat cheese and blueberries. And, as you might expect from a dessert wine, it's also delicious with a chocolate and cherry dessert.
