Brachetto d'Acqui is Piedmont's most charming party trick: a lightly fizzy, lightly sweet, fragrantly floral red that comes in at around 5.5% alcohol. Braida, the Bologna family estate famous for putting Barbera on the international map, has been championing Brachetto since 1967, and theirs remains the reference bottling: a fine, delicate mousse, perfumed strawberry and rose, and just enough acidity to keep the sweetness honest. This is the rare red wine that genuinely loves chocolate, but it is just as happy as an aperitif on a hot afternoon, or poured over fresh berries. A 375ml format for two glasses, which is usually exactly the right amount.