Summer desserts can be more than just stopping by the nearby ice cream store for a double dip cone, making s’mores over the firepit, or whipping up a batch Rice Krispie Treats. Although I’m not a huge “sweets” eater (sorry, MeeMaw), I do like a little sugar now and then after a meal. A couple of weeks ago, I stopped by Primal House in Paso Robles, California to find a perfect steak for grilling that night. What I didn’t expect was to discover a luscious key lime pie from Bramble Pie Company in Atascadero, California and a bottle of award-winning Braida Brachetto d’Acqui DOCG(about $22), both given to me as gifts, for a sweet treat. Trust me when I say that I highly recommend this beautiful pairing.
Get to Know Brachetto d’Acqui, a Sparkling Wine from Northern Italy
Several years ago during a media trip, I spent a day at Acqui Terme, a beautiful, historic city in Piemonte at the foothills and the epicenter for Brachetto d’Acqui DOCG. Characterized by a climate of moderately harsh winters, hot summers and mild spring and autumn seasons this area also presents a wide diurnal temperature range allowing optimal sugar content and delicate yet intense aromatics to develop.
Brachetto is a unique variety in that we can pick this firm-fleshed, purple grape from the vine and savor its aromas and sweet flavor. As wine, elegant Brachetto is high in sugar with intense, delicate aromas of roses and orange blossoms.
Meant to be enjoyed young and fresh within two years of bottling, Brachetto d’Acqui is found in three styles: sparkling, semi-sparkling and passito. All but the passito style are low in alcohol at around 11-12% abv; the passito is at least 16% abv. Almost all of the wines are produced using the Charmat method, invented at the end of the 1800s by Federico Martinotti, Director of the Asti Institute of Experimental Oenology. In essence, an initial fermentation occurs at controlled temperatures in a pressurized tank for 30 days. A second fermentation happens when sugars in the must become alcohol and carbon dioxide due to the presence of yeast. The result is bottled immediately.
Brachetto d’Acqui DOCG or simply “Acqui” must address the following characteristics. The color must show a medium intensity ruby red with a slight lean towards light garnet or rose, must offer delicate aromas of musk, must exude sweet, soft and delicate flavors and must have a minimum total alcoholic strength of 11.5% of which at least 5% is alcohol. As a sparkling wine, DOCG Brachetto d’Acqui (or Acqui) must present a fine, persistent foam and have a minimum total alcoholic strength by volume of which 12% is at least 6% in alcohol.
An excellent resource for inspiration and further knowledge is the website of Consorzio Tutela Brachetto d’Acqui DOCG. (Please click here.)
Taste Sensations: Braida Brachetto d’Acqui DOCG and Key Lime Pie
Of 100% Brachetto, the beautiful color in the glass of Braida Brachetto d’Acqui DOCG was light ruby red with steaks of purple. Upon pouring, an energetic froth danced in the glass and I was ready for the first whiff. Aromas were intense with freshly picked red berries and rose petals. On the delicate and balanced palate, I noted more of the same surrounded with plenty of bubbles. With just the right amount of sweetness to complement the key lime pie, I can’t wait to indulge in this pairing again.
And that Key Lime Pie? This particular pie is made with key lime juice, condensed milk and a graham cracker crust topped with whipped crème and lime shavings. Not too tart and not too sweet, the creamy texture of the pie was glorious with sips of the Brachetto – neither competed with each other with regards to flavor and body. If you’d like to make your own Key Lime Pie, check out this recipe if you don’t already have one!
Other foods that pair beautifully with a lovely Brachetto d’Acqui include a traditional dessert at the end of the meal or a mid-afternoon pastry. Fresh fruit such as strawberries, raspberries and peaches are luscious combinations with the wine, as are baked desserts, light appetizers or dried walnuts, almonds, pistachios and figs. And don’t forget chocolate!
As an ingredient, Brachetto d’Acqui can be used in the preparation of cocktails, fruit salads or jellies. After a master class in Acqui, our group indulged in a bountiful lunch that included pasta, salads and light meats complemented with a glass of Brachetto or our choice of cocktail in which Brachetto was an ingredient. Just delicious.
Dessert tonight? Pick up a memorable bottle of Braida Brachetto d’Aqui, make a luscious Key Lime Pie and enjoy! Cheers to summer!
Cheers! ~ Cindy
