Villa Rosa – Brachetto d’Acqui
| Winery: | Villa Rosa |
| Category: | Brachetto d’Acqui |
| Type: | Italian Sparkling – Sweet and Spritzy |
| Region: | Piedmont |
| Grapes: | 100% Brachetto |
| Vinification: | After a very gentle pressing, the grapes undergo a brief maceration of 12 hours to extract delicate color and aromas. A thorough separation of the skins and juice occurs, followed by a light filtration and cold storage at 0° C. Refermentation happens in stainless steel tanks, just long enough to provide the elegant froth and elevated sugar levels that Brachetto is known for. A brief rest in the bottle to build balance and complexity predates shipment. |
| Color: | Bright cherry colored in the glass. |
| Bouquet: | Fresh and lively on the nose showing strawberry, cranberry and candied spice aromas. |
| Palate: | The palate is silky and lightly effervescent, with a mixture of raspberry, sweet herbs, vanilla, and plum. A pure finish, with excellent length, nicely frames each component. |
| Pairing: | Pair it with any berry dessert, from a raspberry tart to a blackberry crumble to strawberry shortcake. |
| Serving Temp: | 55-60° F |
About the Piedmont Region:
Location: Northern Italy, West
Notable Reds: Barbera, Barolo, Brachetto, Dolcetto, and Nebbiolo
Notable Whites: Arneis, Cortese, Moscato, and Spumante
Native vines are abundant and were subsequently cultivated by the ancient Romans. Ancient Greeks called this area Oenotrua (meaning “land of vines”). With its close proximity, France has been a significant influence on the region, particularly Burgundy, which is evident in the varietal styles of most Piedmontese wines.
The region is located in the foothills of the Alps, bordering both France and Switzerland. Between its mountainous terrain and the Po Valley, only 30% of the land is suitable for vineyard plantings. The valley and the mountains also contribute to the area’s noted fog cover, which aids in the ripening of grapes. The region has a colder, continental winter climate, and significantly low rainfall due to the ‘rain shadow’ effect of the Alps.