NV Rosa Regale Brachetto d'Acqui

I've had this sweet sparkling wine before, but this particular sample came with a bar of Brix Chocolate, a nice dark blend designed to match well with wine and invented by Dr. Nick Proia, an Ohio pulmonologist. I enjoyed the combination: the nicely bitter dark chocolate went along great with the slightly fizzy dessert wine.

Brachetto d'Acqui is also divine with a thick slice of cheesecake topped with a raspberry reduction sauce. Even better if said cheesecake has a crust made from ladyfingers and is decorated with shavings of white chocolate.

I've mostly seen this wine in the 375mL format that is a better fit for serving two people, though the 750mL will work well for a double date or group dinner. Julia and I snacked on it and the chocolate after a lunch of lobster rolls on a cold Sunday afternoon, a weekend in which the city of Memphis was mostly incapacitated by less than an inch of snow.

At a scant 7% alcohol, this is a gentle beverage that won't overwhelm anyone and would be a great introductory wine for someone just getting into the fermented grape game.

NV Rosa Regale Brachetto d'Acqui
100% Brachetto
Brachetto d’Acqui D.O.C.G.
$18, 7% abv.

Sweet and slightly fizzy with a dominant aroma and flavor of raspberries with just a touch of the woody seed elements. Sticky on the edge of the glass and a long, sweet finish. Definitely made for dessert, and best served well-chilled.

Note: This wine was provided as a sample for review.