Brachetto d'Acqui

Brachetto d'Acqui (Italian: [braˈketto ˈdakkwi]; Piedmontese: brachet d'Àich [braˌkɛt ˈdɑjk]) is a red Italian wine that is classified as a Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (DOCG) since 1996 and previously a Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC) region since 1969.

The wine is produced from the Brachetto grape, a variety that is believed to be native to Piedmont, and can be still or sparkling with usually some sweetness.

In the Italian theater tradition of Commedia dell'arte, the mask character of Gianduja da Gioan d'laduja or Giovanni of the Jug, which represented Turin and Piedmont is said to have preferred Brachetto d'Acqui among all others.

Legend also had it that Julius Caesar and Marc Antony presented Cleopatra several gourds of vinum acquense as a gift.

Prior to promotion to DOCG status, other red Piedmont varieties (such as Dolcetto, Pinot nero, Freisa, Grignolino and Ruché[1]) could be blended in with limited percentages.