Cascina Ca’ Rossa, Birbet

A superb Piedmontese bubbly dessert wine, Birbet is much in demand, although output is extremely limited. According to popular tradition, the wine was greatly appreciated by, and was the preferred beverage of, one of the most famous characters of the Commedia dell’Arte, Gianduja da Gioan d'laduja or Giovanni of the Jug. The figure drew inspiration for his bubbly high spirits from this fizzy ruby red with a fragrant foam. The character had the reputation of being a heavy drinker. And he regarded Brachetto as the wine most suited to filling the jug he always carried around with him and to satisfying his refined palate.
Brachetto's origin is much disputed. According to the most reasonable theory, the variety originated in the hills around Asti and, more probably, in the Monferrato region, which is the home of many other famous Piedmontese wines. However, Demaria and Leardi in their Ampelografia della Provincia di Alessandria , published in 1875, argued that Piedmontese Birbet, which is quite odorous and aromatic, origined at Nizza Marittima (Nice, France). Any discussion of Birbet immediately brings to mind images of country festivals when, during the summer, fires light up the hills and draw people from their homes into the roads and courtyards to eat and drink together.

Region: Piedmont
Production Area: Municipality of Canale d’Alba, (Cuneo)
Appellation: Partially fermented must
Vintage: 2007
Varietal Blend: 100% Brachetto dal Grappolo Lungo
Vineyard: At 500-750 feet above sea level with a southwestern exposure. Planting System: Guyot
Soil: Sandy with traces of marl
Harvest: Mid September
Yield: About 4.5 tons per acre.
Alcohol: 5.5%
Vinification: Partial fermentation in stainless steel tanks.
Aging: 3 months in the bottle
Total Production: 10.000 bottles

Tasting Notes:  The color is light purplish red. Intense notes of violet, rose, raspberry,
geranium, and mallow on the nose. The palate is pleasantly sweet and not sickly, with persistent and evident sensations of rose and raspberry. To be served very fresh (8-10° C)

Food Pairings: Pastries without cream.