Azienda Agricola Demarie Birbet
We’re wining down today with a delightful sparkling red produced in the Piedmont region of Italy. Demarie Wines Birbet is a beautiful sparkling wine made from the Brachetto grape specifically grown in the Roero region within Piedmont. Birbet is a local, affectionate name given to this aromatic grape; it translates to “mischievous” or “rascal” in Italian, reflecting the wine’s playful and festive nature. Perfect for celebrating a spring day on the patio! Or popping open to drink with friends and family at a brunch or barbeque. Though it is a sweet wine, there is no sugar added. The carbonation and sugar naturally occur from the shortened fermentation process. Fermentation happens in temperature controlled tanks and is stopped before completion to maintain the natural sugar and sweetness in the wine. The beautiful red color comes from leaving the grapes on the skins for an average of 8 days.
This wine is crafted by Azienda Agricola Demarie, a family-run winery that emphasizes sustainable practices and a deep connection to the Roero region's rich winemaking heritage. They embrace traditional winemaking techniques and are practicing organic. Their cellar has become the place of innovation and enhancement, growing from years of experience and tradition. Azienda Agricola Demarie has been working the land for three generations and hopes to continue passing down their knowledge through future generations. The winery’s foundations are built on the philosophy of traditional production, with special attention paid to protecting the biodiversity of the land. For the Demaries, working the land means protecting the environment. “Nature gives us sustenance and the health of the earth is reflected unequivocally in the quality of our final products.”
A tiny paradise composed of hills and vineyards, with a landscape of contrasting steep rises and gentle slopes, well known for its sandy terroir, rich in sea fossil residue, Roero has a long history of traditional winemaking. Hand harvesting and showing great precision in bunch selection from only their own vineyards helps Azienda Agricola Demarie create award-winning wines. They work closely with the land, and they want their wines to showcase the characteristics of their terroir.
Their Birbet is a sweet wine, with beautiful red fruits mingling with floral and herbal notes, subtly reminiscent of sweet vermouth. Known for its vibrant cherry-red hue and aromatic profile, it offers a fragrant bouquet of strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries. There is a welcome freshness on the finish, with a balance of acidity reminiscent of a blood orange. This wine pairs perfectly with pastries, brunch foods, charcuterie, and spicy BBQ. Meant to be enjoyed chilled (or even served over ice *gasp*), this wine is great on its own but also can be the foundation for a great cocktail (try it with vodka or gin and lemon juice). Already a gorgeous red, give your glass a garnish of lime or mint for a lovely contrast and *voila* you have a picture-perfect drink. Demarie Birbet is extremely pleasing on a warm afternoon!