2025 Braida Brachetto D'Acqui DOCG Half Bottle 375ml, Piedmont

Half Bottle 375ml

This is not dissimilar in style to a Moscato d'Asti, but a red version. It's sweet and semi-sparkling, and low in alcohol, so uber refreshing on a hot summer's day. Buckets of soft strawberry, raspberry and redcurrant fruit flavour, like a sherbet dip! Just make sure you chill it right down for maximum refreshment. Would be delicious served with a fruit-topped tart.

91 points Decanter

Braida is one of Piedmont’s great family names, forever associated with Giacomo Bologna, the charismatic winemaker who helped transform Barbera from humble local red into a wine capable of international acclaim. Today his children Raffaella and Giuseppe Bologna continue the family story from Rocchetta Tanaro. Brachetto d’Acqui reveals Braida in a much more playful mood, celebrating one of Piedmont’s most distinctive aromatic varieties.

Brachetto is grown around Acqui Terme in the hills of southern Piedmont and produces lightly sparkling, sweet red wines with an extraordinary natural perfume. The secret is balance. At its best, Brachetto has enough freshness to keep its sweetness lively and enough gentle fizz to make every mouthful feel light on its feet. Served well chilled, the 2025 is wonderfully exuberant rather than remotely serious.

Brilliant ruby red with a lively pink mousse and an irresistible perfume of fresh strawberry, raspberry and red cherry. Rose petal and violet add floral lift, with a little blood orange and sweet spice underneath. The palate is juicy and softly sparkling, packed with ripe red berries yet kept beautifully fresh by bright acidity. Strawberry and raspberry linger through a fragrant, gently sweet finish.

Fresh strawberries are almost impossible to beat here, particularly with a spoonful of mascarpone. Raspberry tart, cherry panna cotta, dark chocolate dipped strawberries or a simple bowl of summer berries also make very happy companions.Cellaring: Drink now to 2029.