Brachetto d’Acqui o Acqui

"Brachetto d'Acqui" or "Acqui" is a Protected and Guaranteed Denomination of Origin (PDO) that includes three types of wine: Brachetto d'Acqui, Brachetto d'Acqui Spumante and Brachetto d'Acqui Passito.

Grapes

At least 97% of the wine is produced with grapes from the Brachetto grape variety. The remaining 3% can be composed of grapes belonging to other varieties allowed for cultivation in Piedmont.

Physicochemical and Organoleptic properties

The Brachetto d'Acqui has a medium intensity colouring, in the shades of ruby red with a tendency to light or pink garnet. On the nose it releases a very delicate and characteristic smell, with an aroma of musk, while the taste is sweet, soft and delicate. The minimum total alcoholic strength by volume is 11.50% vol. The sparkling version has the same ruby red colour and the same musky aroma with a sweet and delicate flavour. All accompanied by a fine and persistent foam. The minimum total alcoholic strength by volume is 12.00%. Acqui Passito, on the other hand, combines the typical characteristics of the Brachetto vine with a hint of wood, present both in its aroma and flavour. In addition, it has a minimum total alcoholic strength by volume of 16.00% vol.

Grape production area

The production area covers the territories of 26 municipalities, divided between the provinces of Alessandria and Asti.

Specificity and historical notes

Brachetto d'Acqui is influenced by the composition of the land where the vines are grown in the production area. These areas are rich in clay (in the Nizza Monferrato area) or silt and sand (in the Acqui Terme area).