Best Province of Alessandria Beverage Types
This prized Italian wine is produced exclusively from the Cortese grape variety in the Province of Alessandria. The unique climate conditions and mineral-rich soil where the grapes are grown contribute to the exceptional quality of Cortese di Gavi wines.
The best examples are fresh and crisp with typical notes of white flowers and fruits such as citrus, green apples, pears, peaches, or honeydew, as well as a characteristic almond finish. The wines are well known for their balanced and moderate acidity, which makes them a perfect accompaniment to seafood and vegetable antipasti.
Marocchino, which is occasionally known as vetrino, is an Italian coffee variety that originated in Piedmont. It consists of a shot of espresso that is sprinkled with cocoa and then topped with frothed milk. Usually, the milk is then also dusted with cocoa powder.
The origin of marocchino is associated with the Carpano Bar in Alessandria. It was invented during the first half of the twentieth century, and its inventors modeled it on bicerin—an espresso that is layered with hot chocolate and then topped with whipped cream.
Asti Spumante is a fully sparkling wine produced under Asti DOCG appellation. It is made from Moscato Bianco grapes and most commonly by Charmat method, in which fermentation takes place in pressurized tanks. If it is made using the traditional method, where the wine undergoes a second fermentation in the bottle, it is labeled Asti Spumante metodo classico.
The best examples of Asti Spumante are light, fresh, and sweet, without being cloying. Flavors and aromas are floral and fruity, reminiscent of peaches, pears, oranges, acacia, and honeysuckle. Asti Spumante wines are traditionally paired with desserts, but they also make a great aperitif and go well with charcuterie.
Brachetto d’Acqui is an Italian appellation located in Piedmont, in the provinces of Asti and Alessandria. All the wines are produced with the local Brachetto grape, and they come in several styles, including still red wine that can be lightly fizzy, as well as sparkling spumante version and the subtly sweet passito style.
The predominant style is a light-bodied ruby red wine that usually displays floral and fruity aromas reminiscent of roses, strawberries, and raspberries. These wines are best enjoyed young, and they are usually paired with appetizers or desserts, but they also make an excellent aperitif and can also be used as an ingredient in long drinks.
MAIN INGREDIENTS
This ruby red wine is produced in the provinces of Asti and Alessandria in Piedmont. The wine must be made with a minimum of 85% of Barbera grapes, while the rest may be made up with Freisa, Grignolino, and Dolcetto. Barbera del Monferrato is typically medium-bodied and comes as a dry, still wine that is less robust than other Barbera-based wines.
The wine is characterized by the notes of ripe fruit, low tannins, and well-structured acidity, which makes it work well with charcuterie, meat or tomato-based pasta dishes, and braised, grilled, or roasted meat.
Timorasso is a native grape from Piedmont that is nowadays mostly planted in Alessandria. The grape was on the verge of extinction, but now it makes some of the most exciting Italian wines. The wines produced from Timorasso are full-bodied, high in acidity, and have good aging potential.
The aromas are floral and fruity, reminiscent of citrus, apples, and peaches. As they age, they tend to gain honeyed, nutty, and spicy notes, along with some minerality. Three decades ago, Timorasso was almost extinct, primarily because of phylloxera and two world wars.
Ovada is an Italian appellation located in Alessandria that produces complex and concentrated red wines exclusively from Dolcetto, a variety that is locally known as Uva di Ovada (the Ovada grape). The appellation was once a part of the DOC appellation, but it was established as a separate DOCG in 2008.
The minimum alcohol level for DOCG Ovada is 12.5%. These wines display fruity and floral aromas, often reminiscent of cherries, blackberries, plums, blueberries, violets, and roses. They should also have an interesting, subtly bitter, almond-like note on the palate.
Produced in the provinces of Asti and Alessandria in Piedmont, these raisin wines belong to a larger Brachetto d’Acqui appellation. They are made with Brachetto grapes and with the passito method—in which the grapes are dried before they are made into wine.
The process results in velvety and complex dessert wines with floral and fruity aromas reminiscent of roses and strawberries. They occasionally have subtle musky or woody nuances. These rare wines are best paired with desserts and cheese.
These sparkling wines fall under the larger Brachetto d’Acqui appellation—a wine region located in Piedmont (provinces of Asti and Alessandria) that produces wine with the local Brachetto grape. Sparkling Brachetto wines are produced with a Charmat method in which the second fermentation takes place in pressurized tanks.
These lively wines will usually display strawberry and raspberry aromas while their finish is long and aromatic. They are usually paired with pastries and fruit-based desserts, but they are also an excellent match to dry or fresh fruit and chocolate.
Best Province of Alessandria Beverage Producers
Mazzetti d'Altavilla is a historic Italian distillery with roots dating back to 1846, located in the heart of the Piedmont region. Specializing in the production of high-quality grappa, Mazzetti d'Altavilla is known for its dedication to traditional methods combined with modern innovation.
The distillery uses select grape pomace from some of Italy's most renowned wine regions, crafting spirits that reflect the essence of the territory. With a wide range of products, from classic grappas to aged varieties and liqueurs, Mazzetti is celebrated for its craftsmanship, attention to detail, and commitment to sustainability in production.
AWARDS
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Best Aged Grappa - Winner
2022
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Best Unaged Grappa - Winner
2022
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World's Best Grappa - Winner
2022
BEST Mazzetti d'Altavilla Spirits
AWARDS
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IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Gold
2024
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Frankfurt International Trophy - Grand Gold
2017
BEST Cantine Volpi Wines
Best Province of Alessandria Beverages
Radici Grappa di Malvasia in Purezza by Mazzetti d'Altavilla is a premium grappa crafted exclusively from the pomace of Malvasia grapes. This grappa offers a delicate yet intense aromatic profile, with distinctive floral and fruity notes typical of the Malvasia grape, such as hints of white flowers, apricot, and tropical fruits.
The purity of this grappa emphasizes the natural characteristics of the grape, resulting in a smooth, fresh, and aromatic spirit. Ideal as a digestif, Radici Grappa di Malvasia in Purezza is perfect for those who enjoy a refined and expressive grappa with a rich and complex bouquet.
AWARDS
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Best Unaged Grappa - Winner
2022
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World's Best Grappa - Winner
2022
AWARDS
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Decanter World Wine Awards - Best in Show
2021
Grappa di Ruchè 7.0 by Mazzetti d'Altavilla is a distinctive grappa made from the pomace of the rare Ruchè grape variety, native to the Piedmont region. This grappa is known for its unique aromatic profile, showcasing floral and fruity notes, with hints of rose and wild berries.
The "7.0" in its name highlights the distillery’s innovation and modern approach while maintaining the essence of traditional craftsmanship. Smooth and well-balanced, Grappa di Ruchè 7.0 is a refined spirit that offers a true expression of the Ruchè grape's character, ideal for those who appreciate complex and aromatic grappas.
AWARDS
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Best Aged Grappa - Winner
2022
AWARDS
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Frankfurt International Trophy - Grand Gold
2017
AWARDS
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IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Gold
2024
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