NIVASCO Brachetto Piemonte DOC 2023

"Nivasco" Brachetto Piemonte DOC 2023 / Vinchio Vaglio / Piedmont

Red wine from Italy

The aromatic Brachetto is a red grape variety that is found almost exclusively in southern Piedmont in north-western Italy. The "Nivasco" Brachetto Piemonte DOC from the wine cooperative Vinchio Vaglio, which is located in the picturesque village of Vinchio between the famous cities of Asti and Alba, is an expressive dessert wine.

Brachetto is a perennial woody climber that can grow up to several meters if left unattended. Like other varietals, it has dense foliage and twines around supports or trellises for support. The leaves are large, heart-shaped, and green. The fruit of the Brachetto vine are small, round berries with a bright red colour that often grow in dense clusters. This grape variety is characterized by its fresh acidity and fruity, sweet aromas, making it perfect for making dessert wines or as an accompaniment to sweet dishes such as chocolate or fruit desserts. Due to their relatively low profile outside of Italy, Brachetto wines are often more of a discovery for wine lovers looking for unique and unusual taste experiences.

The vines are grown with the Guyot vine training system, with the tendrils of the plants growing up on wires attached between the trunks. The soils are calcareous and clayey, which is typical for southern Piedmont. The manual harvest takes place in the first ten days of September, with only harvesting in the early morning so that the grapes can be processed as fresh as possible on the same day. Once in the wine cellar, the berries are immediately separated from the stems and the must macerated for twelve hours in order to carry out the necessary pressing and flotation measures. The future Brachetto is then stored in steel tanks at a temperature of 0 degrees Celsius for about two months. This ensures that the wine retains its typical aromas. Alcoholic fermentation at approx. 16 degrees Celsius takes about 15 days and is stopped when the wine has reached a perfect alcohol content of 6.5 % vol.

When the wine is ready, it appears in a medium-strong ruby red, which tends to a light garnet red. This sweet wine, which is very popular in Italy, has a moss-like bouquet, which conjures up fresh and fruity notes in the nose. First of all, an elegant, delicate sweetness stands out on the palate. Afterwards, this Brachetto stays smooth and tangy.

At a serving temperature of about 10 to 12 degrees Celsius, the "Nivasco" Brachetto Piemonte DOC from Vinchio Vaglio reveals its full potential. Thanks to its sweet and fruity characteristics, along with its light character, it's an ideal accompaniment to a variety of desserts. It particularly complements fruity delicacies such as berry cakes, fruit salads, fruit tarts, or sorbets. The wine's fruity aromas meld beautifully with the sweet nuances of the desserts, creating a balanced flavor combination. Furthermore, Brachetto pairs excellently with lighter cheeses such as cream cheese, goat cheese, or mild blue cheese. The wine's sweet and fruity aromas provide an exciting contrast to the salty and creamy texture of the cheese. As a chilled aperitif for special occasions or as a light indulgence on warm days, Brachetto also proves to be an excellent choice. Its fruity notes and light body make it a pleasant start to a meal or a relaxed companion for social gatherings. Finally, one should not overlook Brachetto's quality as an excellent base wine for cocktails and long drinks.

General properties

• Vintage: 2023
• Ageing: Sweet
• Country: Italy
• Region: Piedmont
• Volume: 0.75 litres

Detailed properties

• Producer and bottler: Vinchio Vaglio - Regione San Pancrazio 1 - 14040 Vinchio (AT) - Italia - +39 0141 950903
• Quality Designation: Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC)
• Grape: 100% Brachetto
• Winemaking: Hand-picked in the first ten days of September. Destemming and crushing the grapes. Maceration for 12 hours followed by 2 months of storage in steel tanks at a temperature of 0° C. Final alcoholic fermentation at a temperature of 16° C until the ideal alcohol content is reached.
• Sensory characteristics: This in Italy very popular wine has a moss-like bouquet, which conjures up fresh and fruity notes in the nose. On the palate initially stands out an elegant and delicate sweetness. Thereafter it remains supple and bubbly.
• Colour: Medium deep ruby red, which tends to light garnet.
• Alcohol content: 6.5 % Vol.
• Closure type: Screw cap.
  
• How to serve: This wine is superbly suited as an accompaniment to desserts and light cheeses. It can be enjoyed well chilled, both as an aperitif wine and as a refreshing standalone wine.
  
• Recommended serving temperature: Between 10 and 12°C.
• Allergens: Contains sulfites.
• EAN (bottle): 8030227031107
• Scope of supply: 1 bottle of wine 0.75 litres.

Grape variety

BRACHETTO

The Brachetto grape variety, with its origins dating back to antiquity, is cultivated in the northern Italian region of Piedmont and is renowned for its use in the production of sweet, fruity red and sparkling wines. The name "Brachetto" likely derives from "brachìum," referring to the grape's short stem. In the hilly landscapes surrounding Acqui Terme and Asti, the Brachetto grape found optimal conditions for growth and ripening. During the Middle Ages and the Renaissance period, it enjoyed great popularity among the nobility and wealthy families of Piedmont, with its sweet and fruity wines highly esteemed at banquets and festivities. However, the history of the Brachetto vine has been marked by highs and lows. In the 19th century, many vineyards in the region were devastated by the phylloxera plague, leading to a decline in Brachetto cultivation. Yet, in the latter half of the 20th century, interest in reviving some indigenous grape varieties, including Brachetto, was renewed. Winemakers recognized the potential of this grape and began cultivating it purposefully, especially for the production of sweet and sparkling wines. The leaves of the Brachetto plant are medium to large, dark green, and glossy, with a delicate oval shape. The grapes are comparatively small, conically shaped, and grow in loosely arranged clusters with thin skin. They typically ripen early in the season and boast a characteristic red hue when fully matured. The berries are also small and offer a juicy, fleshy consistency. Their sweet taste and intense aroma often evoke notes of red berries and flowers. The Brachetto plant thrives best in regions with a moderate climate, such as that prevalent in Piedmont. Due to its susceptibility to certain diseases and pests, its cultivation requires careful monitoring and care. The Brachetto grape variety is an integral part of Piedmontese wine tradition, offering a diverse selection of sweet and refreshing wines that reflect the aromas and characteristics of the region.

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