Back Away from the Cabernet
Can you believe it’s already December…the month of countless
parties, gift giving, and dare I say drinking?? Who doesn’t love a Cabernet on
a cold winter’s night or at a holiday party? I get it, it’s comfortable and
familiar, but why not take a few risks when you need to bring a bottle to a
party or as a last minute gift to give to your second cousin twice removed that
you didn’t think you would get to see this month? Dare to be different this
holiday season and back away from the Cabernet!
Ever hear of a Brachetto d’ Acqui? It’s a party in your
glass! This is such a charming wine that few people know about. It is named for
the Brachetto grape as well the Acqui district in southern Piedmont not far
from the town of Asti in Italy. The trick here is to drink this young (within a
year of vintage is ideal) to maintain its super freshness and brightness. The
wine is generally medium-bodied and tends to be sweet. It is usually lightly
sparkling or what the Italians call “frizzante.” I opened a bottle of Cavallero
Brachetto d’ Acqui 2014 DOCG. They did a beautiful job representing what the
grape is capable of. This had an appealing cranberry color with aromas of
strawberries, black raspberries, violets, and orchids. This Brachetto had delicious
flavors of black cherry, strawberries, and watermelon. It was incredibly
refreshing and perfect to pair with roasted nuts, amaretto cake, or chocolate.
Being only 6% alcohol content you can easily put this down - but I’d enjoy it. Unfortunately
the one I tasted is not imported in the states but they sell Brachetto d’ Acqui
at larger wine shops.
If you don’t think everyone on your holiday gift list
appreciates bubby, here are some honorable mentions that impress without
breaking the bank. Try a Vranac from Bosnia or a Plavac Mali from Croatia.
These red wines are super interesting, delicious, and sure to please!
Sláinte! TCW
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