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Italy's Native Wine Grapes Guide

Brachetto

Grape's Data Sheet

The Brachetto Wine Grape in Italy

Brachetto - The Grape and the Wines

The Brachetto grape has been cultivated in the Acqui Terme area of Piedmont since ancient times. After the advent of phylloxera and a decline in interest in sweet sparkling wines, the interest in this grape waned, only to be revived in recent decades, culminating in 1996 with the recognition of the DOCG. From an ampelographic point of view, identifying Brachetto has not been easy: in Piedmont, there are many varieties that share the characteristics of berry color (black) and aromaticity, and others that are similar but not aromatic. The “Moscato nero” of Roero, known as “Brachettone,” and the non-aromatic “Brachèt” of Canavese are two examples of local species that are not authorized and, as such, do not represent synonyms of Brachetto.

When talking about Brachetto, the most important denomination is Brachetto d’Acqui DOCG. Brachetto produces wines that are lightly structured and low in tannins, with a barely perceptible pseudo-caloric sensation. The Brachetto grape is highly aromatic. Its wine is a lively and fresh ruby red, known and appreciated for its aromaticity with hints of rose and strawberries. Red and black raspberries, wild strawberries, and rose petals are the terms most frequently used to describe its deep aroma. Brachetto wine should be consumed young and is typically served slightly chilled, often with fresh fruit. It is well-known for its suitability for sparkling wine production using the Charmat method.

brachetto a native wine grape of Italy

Brachetto - General Info Table

Brachetto is one of the  Aromatic Grapes, Native Grapes with Black berry widespread mainly in Piedmont, officially listed in the “Catalogo nazionale varietà di vite” since 1970. Its surface under vines in Italy is 1460 ha.
Berry colorBlack berry
Grape CategoryAromatic Grapes, Native Grapes
Main RegionPiedmont
Surface under Vines in Italy1460 ha
Year of listing1970

Brachetto - Ampelographic Data

Each grape variety is characterized by Ampelographic Descriptors that define the appearance of its main elements. The ampelographic features of the Brachetto grape variety are:
Leaf Features
The leaf of the Brachetto grape variety is medium-sized, orbicular, with no lobes, with three lobes.
Bunch Features
The bunch of the Brachetto grape variety is dense, medium-sized, cylindrical, pyramidal, 1-2 wings.
Berry Features
The berries of the Brachetto grape variety are medium-sized, of ellipsoidal shape and with Buccia pruinosa and black-bluish colored skin.

Brachetto - Wine Features

The Varietal Wine obtained from each and every Grape Variety, features precisely defined organoleptic characteristics. Referred to Brachetto grapes, they are as follows:
Varietal Wine's features
The wine obtained from Brachetto grapes is ruby red. On the palate the wine is fresh, fruity.

Brachetto - Agricultural & Productive Features

Each and every grape variety features very specific agricultural and productive characteristics, such as productivity, yield, ripening time, the ideal type of climate or pruning system, sensitivity to adversities, varying degrees of disease resistance and many others. For the Brachetto grape variety, the main characteristics are:
Productivitynormal, low
Training systemCasarsa, Guyot

Brachetto - Appellations of Origin

The Quattrocalici Grape Varieties Database collects data on all grape varieties that are explicitly mentioned in at least one Italian PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) or PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) denomination. The Brachetto grape variety is mentioned in the regulations of the following denominations:
DenominationTypeRegion
Brachetto d’Acqui o Acqui DOCGDOCGPiedmont
Piemonte DOCDOCPiedmont
Ruchè di Castagnole Monferrato DOCGDOCGPiedmont