Brachetto d’Acqui DOCG 2023 – Contero

The grapes to produce the Brachetto d’Acqui DOCG Contero were hand picked into wooden boxes and carefully selected. After gentle pressing, the must fermented on the skins for two to three days at low temperatures, in stainless steel tanks. The must was then separated from the skins, with fermentation halted at 5.5% volume alcohol by filtration to leave around 100g of sugar per litre. Bottling took place under pressure for a light sparkle.

The Contero vineyards are situated in a perfect amphitheatre in the commune of Strevi, the heart of one of the best zones for Brachetto in Piemonte, at an altitude of 250-300 metres above sea level. The vines are superbly tended and produce fruit of stunning quality. They are located on steep hills with tufaceous-marl soils, which contain layers of fertile clay. The vines are 30 years old and Guyot trained. They are planted at a density of 4,800 vines per hectare.

Formerly owned by the Lombardini family (proprietors of La Giustiniana in Gavi), Contero is now owned by the Marenco family, who are Moscato and Brachetto specialists in Strevi. This 11 hectare estate remains one of the best producers of invigoratingly delicious Moscato d’Asti and Brachetto d’Acqui. The ripest and best Moscato grapes are used for Moscato d’Asti rather than Asti.