Brachetto is an ancient aromatic black grape variety native to Piedmont, traditionally associated with the Acqui and Alto Monferrato areas. Its viticultural history went through a difficult period in the nineteenth century, when phylloxera severely reduced its presence, followed by a major recovery and revitalisation effort in the twentieth century, culminating in the recognition of the Brachetto d’Acqui appellation in 1969 and DOCG status in 1996. The leaf is medium-sized, generally orbicular, entire or, more rarely, trilobed; the bunch, medium or medium-small, is cylindrical or conical in shape and has a medium-compact to compact structure. The berry is medium-sized, ellipsoidal, with a thick, intensely coloured skin – a characteristic that enhances the wine’s aromatic richness and colour. Cultivation is concentrated mainly in the Alto Monferrato region, between the provinces of Asti and Alessandria, particularly in the hills around Acqui Terme. The resulting wine is distinguished by its light ruby-red colour, sometimes purple or rosé, and by its fragrant bouquet of rose, wild strawberry, raspberry and ripe fruit, accompanied by delicate musky notes. On the palate, it is sweet, aromatic, fresh and velvety, with a light and pleasant structure. It is best enjoyed young, though the passito versions can develop greater complexity. A recurring curiosity links it, in legend, to the aromatic wine known in antiquity.
