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UNIQUE SPARKLING WINE IN DECANTER BOTTLE
PERFECT FOR HOLIDAY TOASTING OR GIFT GIVING
Rosa Regale Brachetto d’Acqui 2006 WINE ON LINE RATING: A Holiday “A Major.” From the ever trustworthy Banfi Vintners
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That’s easy for you to say: Rosa Regale Brachetto d’Acqui,(pronounced rOH-za rAY-gAH-lay brAH-ket-tOE dAH-kwee) is a unique red sparkling wine from Italy, embodying all that is festive for the holiday season.
We loved the 2004 and the 2006 is even better, with a vibrant ruby red color and a frothy pink mouse that rises to the top of the glass like the fur trim on the hat of an elf, Rosa Regale charms at first sight. It has the flavor of fresh raspberries and an effervescence that is softer than that of champagne yet as persistent as it is delicate. Served chilled, it breaks the ice as a cheerful aperitif, is a great accompaniment to antipasti, fruits and pastries, and one of the world’s most enlightening pairings with chocolate. Its fizz cuts through the richness of the chocolate while its fruit nuances wrap themselves around the cocoa flavor in a fusion similar to that of a chocolate-covered strawberry or cherry bon-bon. And as a bonus, it’s low 7% alcohol content also makes it a prudent choice for holiday gatherings.
Fitting its inherent qualities, Rosa Regale sports a customized deluxe package that was over a year in the making. The elegantly shaped bottle was created by Rosa Regale’s family proprietor John F. Mariani and modeled on a traditional fine crystal wine decanter. In response to consumer call for half bottles, Mr. Mariani also designed a 375 ml. bottle that he calls “perfect for a romantic duo.” The bottle shape is now registered by Rosa Regale.
Made of clear glass to highlight Rosa Regale’s color, the bottle’s shape resembles the soft-shouldered Burgundian style package, and features scalloped edging around the base as well as the neck. A black capsule and label, with red and gold embossed lettering, identifies the wine. The label features a single red rose, symbolizing the wine’s origin from the single-vineyard La Rosa estate in Piedmont’s small town of Acqui.
One of Italy’s smallest production zones, the Brachetto d’Acqui Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita is distinguished by a white, calcareous soil that is said to contribute to the wine’s unique personality.
Rosa Regale is distributed nationally and sold in fine restaurants and specialty wine shops, where the average retail price is $23 for the 750-ml. and $14 for the 375-ml. After the holidays, keep this in mind as well for Easter, Mother’s Day and Valentine’s Day.
Other food-pairing suggestions: Ideal with foie gras, blue cheese, spicy Asian food, such as Thai and, in the rare case that you have a bit remaining in the bottle, it produces a wicked braised duck with olives.
Of the 2004, we said “Let go of your preconceptions —— you’re gonna like this one”
Of the 2006, we say “Let go of your preconceptions —— you’re gonna LOVE this one”
For more info, visit: http://www.rosaregale.com/about_us.php
