# Brachetto d'Acqui D.O.C.G. (NV)

- **Producer:** Casa Sant'Orsola
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** sparkling
- **Grapes:** Brachetto
- **Region:** Piemonte, Italy
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 6.5%
- **Average price:** €9
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now
- **Serving temperature:** 8–10 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** rose, strawberry

## About this wine

Casa Sant'Orsola's Brachetto d'Acqui DOCG hails from the picturesque Piedmont region of Italy, specifically the hills between Asti and Alessandria, where calcareous-marnous soils provide an ideal terroir for the Brachetto grape. The producer, Casa Sant'Orsola, was established in 1947 by brothers Secondo and Luigi Martini, starting as a humble family-run winery with its first cellar built beneath their home. Today, as part of Fratelli Martini Secondo Luigi S.p.A., it has evolved into a large-scale producer with a significant international presence. The company's philosophy revolves around offering a "Luxury Experience," aiming to provide accessible luxury for everyday moments. This particular Brachetto d'Acqui is celebrated for being a sweet, aromatic, and slightly sparkling red wine, a distinctive style that sets it apart.

## Interesting facts

- Casa Sant'Orsola began in 1947, with its first winery built under the Martini family home in Piedmont.
- The producer, Fratelli Martini, is now a major global player, exporting millions of bottles annually.
- Brachetto d'Acqui is a rare example of a sweet, aromatic, and sparkling red DOCG wine from Italy.
- With only 6.5% ABV, this wine offers a light and refreshing alternative to traditional desserts.

## Food pairing

The wine's inherent sweetness, vibrant fruitiness, and delicate fizz make it an ideal companion for a range of desserts, particularly those featuring chocolate or berries. It harmonizes with these dishes by echoing their fruit components and providing a refreshing counterpoint to richness. Its low alcohol content also positions it as an excellent choice for a light aperitif or a standalone celebratory drink.

## Wine making process

The production of this Brachetto d'Acqui DOCG by Casa Sant'Orsola, a brand of Fratelli Martini, focuses on crafting an accessible luxury experience. While specific winemaking techniques are not detailed, the company has grown into a large-scale producer, indicating efficient and consistent methods to manage high volumes while maintaining the wine's distinctive aromatic and sweet profile. The grapes are sourced from the calcareous-marnous soils of the Brachetto d'Acqui region in Piedmont, ideal for cultivating quality Brachetto vines.