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Rosa Regale Brachetto d'Acqui Vintage Not Specified
This off-dry (i.e., lightly sweet) sparkling wine with a vibrant ruby color comes from Italy’s Piedmont region. With its penetrating floral fragrance and sweet, vivacious raspberry flavors, it is a great aperitif for almost any occasion and is good with dessert, too, since it pairs well with chocolate.
Ray Isle - Food and Wine - February, 2009
It's slightly floral with strawberry aromatics, but the palate is where this wine shines...
Tim Lemke - Mutineer
Intense raspberry flavor & low alcohol. Dry and elegant to berry sweet, it's perfect to sip with dinner or dessert. Try with deep, dark chocolate cake.
Good Housekeeping
This frothy, semisweet red wine has become "one of my Valentine's Day favorites" because it is that rare bubbly that can stand up to chocolate.
Robert Whitley - Creators.com
An effervescent sweet red was made for chocolate. The easiest one to find is Rosa Regale, made by Banfi.
Dave McIntyre - The Washington Post
Black Friday Wine Picks. This is a fabulous red bubbly!
Kristine Hansen - www.slashfood.com
Both bows and the sparkling wine coordinate with the reception's color palate. Cheers!
Lexi Dwyer - Brides Magazine
"Here are three sparkling wines that, when poured into the glass, produce a beautiful pink color and come pretty darn close to being perfect"
Kristine Hansen - www.slashfood.com
92 Points
Robert Whitley - winereviewonline.com - July, 2010
Gold Medal
Long Beach Grand Cru Wine Competition 2010 - July, 2010
Rosa Regale Brachetto d'Acqui 2009
Gold Medal
San Francisco International Wine Competition 2010 - July, 2010
Continually one of the most charming expressions of Brachetto d'Aqui. 90 Points
The Tasting Panel Magazine - August, 2010
Rosa Regale Brachetto d'Acqui 2008
The easy drinking wine's dark ruby red color offers strawberry and rose petal aromas. Frothy strawberry and black cherry flavors carry through soft tannins and just enough acidity to balance the sweet, fruity finish. Highly recommended.
Dave DeSimone - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
Uplifting wild berry aromas with a tea-like note of fresh chai. Forward and expressive with rich, sweet flavors of raspberry and pomegranate juice. A dollop of dark honey accents the finish.
Wine News
Rosa Regale Brachetto d'Acqui 2007
Deep medium cranberry. Attractive mousee with aromas of cherry and rose petals. Soft, mildly spritzy and creamy on the palate with soft mouth feel and ripe cherry compote fruit flavors. Good balance with low alcohol, good acidity and a dry finish. A fun wine!
International Wine Review - December, 2008
...displays a lovely light-ruby color, with aromas and flavors of fresh strawberries and a slightly sweet finish.
Dan Radil - The Bellingham Herald - January, 2009
...delicious, featuring bright cherry and strawberry flavors and enticing aromas of rose petals.
Dave McIntyre - Dave McIntyre's Wine Line - February, 2009
Deep medium cranberry. Attractive mousee with aromas of cherry and rose petals. Soft, mildly spirtzy and cream on the palate with soft mouth feel and ripe cherry compote fruit flavors. Good balance with low alcohol, good acidity and a dry finish. A fun wine!
The International Wine Review - December, 2008
Silver Medal
Dallas Morning News Wine Competition - February, 2009
Forego the flowers this year, and enjoy hints of rose petals,along with luscious cherry-berry fruit flavors, in this lightly sweet, softly sparkling-but fully sophisticated- deep pink wine.
A Good Glass of Wine
Relish Magazine - February, 2009
GOLD MEDAL
Florida International Wine Competition - April, 2009
Rosa Regale Brachetto d'Acqui 2006
"A sparkling (Spumante), frothy, sweet/sour Brachetto d' Acqui. Color: Brilliant ruby red. Aromas of roses, strawberries and raspberries with a hint of honeysuckle. Palate of fresh cherries, apricots and plums; a light, pleasant acidity enhances the flavor of chocolate, cocoa or coffee based desserts. A wine to be drunk young; ready to drink now." 91
Manos Angelakis - LuxuryWeb.com - April, 2007
Dominant character of dark fruits, with aromas and flavors of raspberry, black currant, hints of rose and honey. Sweet and full bodied, with delicate acidity and a lingering finish. Fruity desserts or chocolate.
Sante - July, 2008
Dominant character of dark fruit with aromas and flavors of raspberry, black currant, hints of rose and honey. Sweet and full bodied with delicate acidity and a lingering finish.
Sante - February, 2009
Rosa Regale Brachetto d'Acqui 2005
If you are looking for a special bottle of sparkling wine for those that prefer sweeter offerings then be sure to buy a bottle of the 2005 Banfi Rosa Regale Brachetto d'Acqui. Rich, ripe fruit flavors will fill your senses. The aroma of fresh cut roses fills the air as the cork is popped. Sweet juicy strawberry, blueberry and raspberry impressions are found throughout the wine experience. With only 7 percent alcohol, this wine is light enough to enjoy a second glass -- and you will want a second glass.
Patrick Gerl - News-Star (Monroe, LA) - May, 2007
"Red wine can sparkle. Rosa Regale is a sweet – make that dolce – bubbly from Italy. Drink this raspberry-scented fizz with dark chocolate, or serve it at brunch."
Anne Schamberg - Milwaukee Journal Sentinel - March, 2007
"Bright and lively, it also has genuine depth of flavor. While sweet, it tastes substantial, which explains why it works so well at dessert. With its vibrant red color and streams of small bubbles, this wine even looks romantic. Try it with any sort of dark chocolate dessert, the richer the better. The match will be lovely."
Paul Lukacs - Washington (DC) Times - February, 2007
"Juicy strawberry flavors, soft bubbles, fairly sweet." Recommended
Fred Tasker - The Miami Herald - February, 2007
"Italian sweet red sparkling dessert wine: juicy strawberry flavors, soft bubbles, fairly sweet." Recommended
Fred Tasker - The Miami Herald - February, 2007
"This is another favorite of chocaholics, especially those who prefer the dark and bittersweet varieties. It also works well on its own as a sensual aperitif. Rosa Regale is a sparkling wine with an enchanting, fruity character and flavors of raspberries and rose petals. It has a pretty pink color, lots of festive bubbles and delicate rose petals on the label. In addition to chocolate, Rosa Regale also goes well with a variety of fruits such as strawberries, raspberries and blueberries, plus most desserts."
Scott Cherry - Tulsa World - February, 2007
"It's actually magenta-colored, but this tart-sweet Italian wine with aromas of roses and raspberries was one of the gifts Marc Anthony used to woo Cleopatra."
Maria C. Hunt - San Diego (CA) Union Tribune - February, 2007
"Ruby red in color, the wine is very aromatic, with red fruit and rose petal scents. It has a soft mouth feel, with strawberries, raspberries, cranberries and grapey flavors."
Randy Buckner - News Tribune (WA) - February, 2007
"Flowers are another way of expressing love, and Banfi's popular Rosa Regale has a single red rose on its label. This sweet red sparkler goes perfectly with chocolate."
John Griffin - San Antonio (TX) Express - February, 2007
"The only tickle I like is one that tickles my throat as it is gliding down. Brachetto is the grape, and this is from Acqui, near Piedmont in Italy. It is sweet and sparkling and reminiscent of wild strawberries, ripe raspberries and rose petals. It calls for chocolate or desserts with raspberries or strawberries. This is a refreshing style of dessert wine."
Randa Warren - Tulsa (OK) People - February, 2007
"The most romantic of wines – a sweet, rich dessert sparkler from Italy. BONUS: comes in a really cool bottle. Fragrant with ripe strawberries, and with a sexy finish that last seemingly forever. You might use it as a euphemism for your relationship or not."
Taylor Eason - Memphis - February, 2007
"A deep red sparkling wine with a foaming head. This unusual bubbly offers scents of roses and berries."
Utah Style & Design - January, 2007
"A berry cornucopia with bursting raspberry, strawberry and blueberry – just like a good Brachetto d'Acqui should be. Also typical of this style of sweet, sparkling wine with low alcohol is its soda pop fizz in the mouth and spicy finish." 86
Wine Enthusiast - June, 2006
Rosa Regale Brachetto d'Acqui 2004
"We are partial to this wine as it's the one we served with cake at our own wedding four years ago. With its festive pink color and rich flavor, it may be somewhat bigger and bolder than a traditional wedding sparkler; but it is so judiciously balanced between refreshing acidity and fruity sweetness that it doesn't overwhelm the cake. Note, too, that the Brachetto's creamy texture will marry beautifully with vanilla, lemon or chocolate buttercream frosting."
Paul Lukacs & Marguerite Thomas - Wine Review Online - May, 2006
"Rosa Regale and dark chocolate are married. And both are form Piedmont. Low in alcohol, Rosa Regale is perfect any time of the day or night, from brunch to dessert after dinner. Soft and appealing with a hint of rose petals and raspberries, it is vivacious and lush."
Renie & Sterling Steves - Fort Worth Business Press - February, 2006
"Don't miss: "Rosa Regale". . . .Frothy, sweet-tart, with lip-smacking red berry fruit flavor. Dangerously delicious! The litany wine people routinely hear is "Isn't there a good sweet red?" Ecco! ("Here ya go!") And it's a sweet bubbly red to boot. Lightly sparkling, sweet with a pleasant bitterness, it's got the flavor of ripe red raspberries and strawberries. Brachetto (pronounced bra-kett-toe) is irresistible, even to those self-labeled "dry red drinkers." Chocoholic alert: It's terrific with dark chocolate desserts. Or, it makes a yummy quaff before dinner with salty cheese."
Madeline Triffon - Detroit News - December, 2005
"My absolute, hands-down, fire-up-the-hot-tub-and-light-a-few-candles wine is the 2004 Rosa Regale (Italy). This cherry-red sparkler is a frizzy explosion of strawberry flavors and rose scents. Yes, it's effervescent but in a subdued sort of way. The wine is crafted from the Brachetto grape, unheard of in this country. It comes in a weird-shaped bottle and at a price (about $22) that may intimidate the average consumer. But make no mistake: If you're in the mood to create a mood, the 2004 Rosa Regale can carry the day or night."
Ed Williams - News And Record - October, 2005
"deep rose-petal red, with bright fresh-fruit aromas, and flavors of cherries and strawberries, with a pleasant, though understated, effervescence."
Dick Rosano - Chile Pepper - October, 2005
"Straight from Italy’s Brachetto D’Acqui appellation, this sparkling wine is sure to please all. With distinct aromas of roses and berries, this effervescent wine is perfect as an aperitif or dessert beverage. Subtly sweet, Rosa Regale pairs incredibly well with any chocolate dessert..."
Tom DiNardo - Winesquire.Com - September, 2005
"This frizzante red wine from the Piedmont is slightly sweet, low in alcohol and remarkably versatile. It can be served either as an aperitif or with fruit-based desserts. It's fizzy and fun on a warm summer day and just plain yummy any time you decide to pop the cork."
Robert Whitley - The Record - June, 2005
"a dark, rosy red, sparkler with wild strawberry from start through its medium-broad, medium-long finish. It is fresh and lively and will make a great partner with fresh fruit or cheese. Very well done and it should be exceptionally popular.” Very Good."
Harold J. Baer, Jr - Colorado Wine News - July, 2005
"Delightful! So much fruit!" Critics Gold
Ed McCarthy - 2005 Critics Challenge International Wine Competition - May, 2005
No wine in the world sports a color like the Rosa Regale's deep, radiant cranberry-magenta. It's pure crushed and macerated raspberries and strawberries (with a touch of bubble gum) from nose to finish, soft and round (yet crisp and slightly stony) and detectably sweet with a seductive satiny texture. A great summertime quaffer." Very Good
Fredric Koeppel - Koeppel on Wine - May, 2005
Rosa Regale Brachetto d'Acqui 2003
"strawberry aromas and flavors, soft bubbles, fairly sweet."
Highly Recommended
Fred Tasker - Miami Herald - February, 2006
"The star of most gardens is the bright red rose. One of the stars in the garden of wine is the 2003 Banfi Rosa Regale, which has a rose gracing its label. This sparkling wine is a fairly deep rose color with just enough fizz to give it a sparkling personality. The floral nature of this wine shows in the nose. Floral aromas abound with honeysuckle leading the way. Chocolate and cinnamon accents are also found in the bouquet. Sweet cherry and strawberry please the palate."
Patrick Gerl - News Star - August, 2005
"a sparkling wine, sold in an attractive clear champagne bottle, dressed with a minimal black label with a red rose in the center. The grape is Brachetto, which gives the wine the color and flavor of strawberries. The fizz offsets the sweetness, which is not cloying. It's only 7 percent alcohol. You can serve it as an aperitif or with pork or chicken. It would be delightful with creamy desserts too."
Sandra Silfven - The Detroit News - March, 2005
"Brachetto is one of Italy's most curious wines – a light red wine that's low in alcohol, semisweet and bright red in color with juicy cherry, flower and grape flavors. This one is widely available and very dependable in quality." * * * Highly Recommended
Tim Teichgraeber - Star Tribune - February, 2005
"A sweet red sparkling wine/a perfect match for any decadent dark chocolate dessert."
Steven Kolpan - WAMC Radio (NY) - February, 2005
"A fun dessert wine (Brachetto d'Acqui grape) that won't break the bank. This sparkler is dessert on its own, sweet but not cloying. How can you go wrong with roses on the nose and cherries on the tongue? A perfect end to a perfect evening. Match it with your favorite chocolate and enjoy!"
Minneapolis/St. Paul Magazine - February, 2005
"At first sniff, this ruby-colored sparkling from Italy brought to mind spun sugar and roses. We also smelled candied strawberries and cherries. This somewhat sweet wine added an orange-flavored component to the chocolate. We were left with roses on the back of the palate in the end."
Frank Sutherland - Tennessean - January, 2005
"A sparkling red wine with hints of rose petals and raspberries; it's an ideal aperitif."
Ladies’ Home Journal - December, 2004
"Light bodied and fruity with floral, berry, and citrus aromas complementing flavors of cooked and ripe berries, including strawberry, blackberry, and raspberry, and hints of tangerine; short finish. Thai spiced shrimp. Fully mature, serve now."
Santé - November, 2004
"Velvety soft and sweet; raspberry, strawberry and cherry flavors; dessert in a bottle."
Cheers - December, 2004
"Don't look for anything serious from this sparkling red. It's ridiculous right down to the foamy mousse, the herbal strawberry and sweet raspberry flavors, and the clean finish that can't help but bring a smile, especially with chocolate cake."
Wine & Spirits - August, 2004
"This sweet sparkling wine with its low alcohol (7 percent) is a gem with stunning flavors. Made from the Brachetto grape, the wine has a beautiful light ruby color with incredible aromas of rose petal, red raspberry, cranberry and strawberry. The delicious sweet red raspberry flavor is balanced with a tangy finish. Do not miss this wine. Serve chilled with summer pasta salads or after a meal with a dark chocolate dessert." Highly Recommended – Outstanding 90 - 94
Bruce May - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette - July, 2004
Rosa Regale Brachetto d'Acqui 2002
"The most romantic of wines, a sweet, rich dessert sparkler from Italy. Bonus: It comes in a really cool bottle. Fragrant with ripe strawberries and with a sexy finish that lasts seemingly forever."
Taylor Eason - The Memphis Flyer - February, 2005
"The taste is dominated by sweetness and lush red fruit. But when paired with the tacos, a lot of the sugary richness was eliminated and the fruit was able to shine through."
Mark Tarbel - Arizona Republic - May, 2004
"This red sparkling wine from Italy is a mouthful, both literally and figuratively. It is flexible enough to be used as either an aperitif or after dinner drink. The wine is sweet and aromatic and matches exceedingly well with chocolate, particularly the dark bittersweet variety. You can also enjoy it with fruit salads, strawberries and a wide range of moderately sweet desserts."
David Cohen’s - Inland Empire - May, 2004
"Most romantic – a sweet, rich dessert sparkler from Italy. Bonus: comes in a really cool bottle. Ripe strawberry fragrance, with a sexy finish that lingers."
Taylor Eason - Folio Weekly (FL) - February, 2004
"From its elegant cut-glass bottle to its shell-pink froth, Banfi's Brachetto d'Acqui is a lovely way to celebrate a romantic occasion. Only in Italy could one find a sparkling red dessert wine that tastes like strawberries, almonds and rose petals. Few wines make a finer match for chocolate desserts or truffles. A red cousin to Piedmont's more famous sweet bubbly, Moscato d'Asti, Brachetto shares a unique combination of fruit and floral aromas that is sure to stimulate the senses. After an intimate dinner or a night on the town, wines like these provide good reason to bring the ice bucket into the bedroom." "Pick-of-the-Month"
Marnie Old - Philadelphia Magazine - February, 2004
". . . has a gorgeous raspberry aroma, rich, red-velvet color and slightly sweet taste."
Natalie Berkowitz - New York Sun - January, 2004
"Reddish rose, with fine intense persistent perlage. The bouquet is rich, with raspberry fruit laced with the sweetness of honeysuckle, and some sour overtones that keep it all from being cloying. This is quick to write, but quite pleasant to sniff. On the palate it's full, with the fullness deriving from both sparkle and from strong raspberry fruit that has some tart overtones that serve to balance the sugars and keep the wine from flagging; the finish is clean, with abundant tart raspberry, and continues at length. A very nice expression of Brachetto that will work very nicely with soft flavorful cheeses, or with friends far from a meal. Worth seeking out, and you should consider it even if you’re not a fan of sweet wines." **
Kyle Phillips - Italian Wine Review - January, 2004
"The Italian sparkling wine, Rosa Regale, is an interesting sweet red wine that is made entirely from the obscure Brachetto grape varietal. It is incredibly tasty and unusual, but is a perfect complement to holiday feasts and priced right. In the glass, this Rosa Regale is a deep strawberry-red color with streaks of pink and ruby, and it has medium viscosity. The artificially added effervescence is vigorous. On the nose, it is like a mixed-berry cocktail, with loads of freshly crushed sweet strawberries, blueberries, cherries and currants. It is a lively and fresh-tasting beverage on the palate, with tons of strawberry juice, cherry nectar, red currants, red Jolly Rancher and an overall pleasant level of sweetness. A lovely mouth-filling sensation of bright fruit that carries through to the finish shows just the right amount of acidity to give it good balance. It is a tremendous aperitif by itself or great with any chocolate or other holiday treat."
Gil Lempert-Schwarz - Las Vegas Review Journal - December, 2003
"No wine in this tasting was more fun and festive than the Rosa Regale, made from the grape Brachetto out of the Piemonte region of northern Italy. It's as bright and cheery as Rudolph's nose, with a cotton-candy mousse, a fresh candied smell, a frothy feel and a sweet, spicy and fruity flavor. It will remind you of old-time strawberry soda pop, but with a kick."
Mike Dunne - The Sacramento Bee - December, 2003
"A demi-sec sparkling red. Medium-bodied with strawberry jam, red plum and ripe strawberry; long finish with enough acidity to keep it from becoming cloying. Plum or raspberry sorbet. Fully mature. Serve now."
Santé - December, 2003
". . .a strawberry colored sparkling wine made from the Brachetto grape. It has aromas and flavors of strawberry and maraschino cherry. Quite sweet and soft, it finishes medium-broad and short. Though sweet, it has enough acidity to keep it from being unctuous and should be wildly popular with those who like soft, sweet wines. And the carbonation is a bonus. Great fun."
The Colorado Wine News - December, 2003
"Brachetto is truly one of the fun wines of Piemonte, a frothy, refreshing sparkling red wine that has a hint of sweetness that is nicely balanced by the natural acidity of the Brachetto D’Acqui grape. Rosa Regale survived a difficult harvest in 2002 to produce an outstanding aperitif, but the vivid aroma of wild red raspberries make it a stellar companion to fruit tarts made with berries, or simply wild berries on their own." 90
Robert Whitley - The Times of Trenton - July, 2003
"If a sweet wine is called for, the very Italian and very delicious Rosa Regale is the perfect choice. Here is a sweet, sparkling wine with great fruit flavor and the fun we all remember in the Chianti wines of old. It will make a perfect ending to a perfect occasion."
Ben & Sheila Bodenstein - HI-RISER (FL) - June, 2003
Rosa Regale Brachetto d'Acqui 2001
"Highly Recommended"
Beverage Testing Institute Of Chicago - August, 2003
"From Spain we journey over to Italy for their famous Brachetto D'Acqui. We also drift away from the dry wines to the sweet sparkling wines. Banfi Rosa Regale Brachetto D'Acqui is one of the best wines of this classification that we have yet tasted. The aroma is not clouded with the bread and yeast of true champagne but rather offers a pure fruit and berry sensation. The bubbles are small and last for a very long time and seem to embrace the flavor which is (pardon the pun) very berry. If a sparkling wine is what you want, we can assure you that you will be more than pleased with this selection."
Ben & Sheila Bodenstein-EASTSIDER (FL) - February, 2003
"We're always skeptical of claims that a wine goes well with chocolate. Most wines are overwhelmed by its sweetness and oily texture. Brachetto is a light red-wine grape variety from the Piedmont region of Italy. It has a lovely red color and the flavor of sweet summer berries. The Washingtonian's wine columnist, Paul Lukacs, calls it "one of the world's few successful red sparklers." Its berry flavors marry very well with chocolate, particularly the darker or bittersweet varieties. A 750-milliliter bottle of Castello Banfi's 2001 Brachetto d'Acqui, called Rosa Regale, would be a nice way to begin a Valentine's supper for two—or to end it over a chocolate dessert or a few chocolates."
Thomas Head & Cynthia Hacinli-THE WASHINGTONIAN
"This is better, however, and more serious. Made by the Banfi firm, the lightly sparking Rosa Regale 2001, Brachetto D’Acqui, derived from the red Brachetto grape in Piedmont, starts with a ravishing deep raspberry red color tinged with pale copper. Scents of fresh raspberries and strawberries balloon from the glass, while in the mouth its moderate sweetness is balanced by crisp acid and a beguiling depth of fruit and yeasty qualities, all leading to a dry, subtly stony finish. Delightful as an aperitif or, perhaps, with fruity desserts. "
THE COMMERCIAL APPEAL - February, 2003
"is a sweet, red sparkling wine made entirely from Brachetto grapes. With appealing rose petal/raspberry flavors, it is one of the few wines of the world that marries well with chocolate, especially dark or bittersweet."
Bob Chaplin - HARTFORD COURANT (CT) - December, 2002
Premium C: off dry, dried cherry, balanced; nice finish with pleasant bitter walnut A: maraschino cherry, strawberry, plum, cranberry, mocha notes F: raisin, strawberry, maraschino cherry, hint of nut P: biscotti or vanilla soufflé Key: C: General Characteristics, A: Aromas, F: Flavors, P: Pairings or Product Use
Santé - 2003 Annual Wine & Spirits Buying Guide - December, 2003
"A red sparkling, this wine felt like it belonged on Valentine's Day. It had a brilliant red color and smelled of strawberry fruit gelatin. In the mouth, it was very sweet. A versatile wine, it can be enjoyed before dinner, between courses or with dessert. For lovers of chocolate-covered strawberries, this would be a good pairing.."
Frank Sutherland - THE TENNESSEAN - February, 2003
"This sparkling sweet wine from Piemonte is the perfect dessert wine for fresh berries, especially with whipped cream. Gives off the scent of roses. Very intense flavors."
Philadelphia Magazine - July, 2000
"If you are looking for something different from a brut-style bubbly, how about a Brachetto? Brachetto is a red--yes, red--sparkling wine from Piedmont. Piedmont is home to great wines such as the bold Barberas and the grand Nebbiolo-based Barolos and Barbarescos. As if to offset all this vinous seriousness, the region also produces some of Italy's best light-hearted quaffs: the well-known spumante wines of Asti and the delicate Moscatos. Brachetto is famous for its strawberry-like color, aroma, and flavor. These wines can be considerably lower in alcohol content than other sparklers--this one checks in at a polite seven percent, making it a good choice for midday quaffing. It is smooth and luscious with sweet, berry fruit. Brachetto is also noted for its compatibility with chocolate..."
Anthony Dias Blue - May, 2000
"Bright red, sweet and appealing, this is a delicious between-meal or after-dinner sparkler that offers gobs of berry flavors. Fresh and clean; delightful."
Wine Spectator
"Next time you're serving chocolate mousse or a raspberry-filled flourless chocolate cake, break out a bottle of this Brachetto. It has the flavor of fresh raspberries and brandied raspberry cake filling, the sweetness checked by an earthy acidity. The bright cherry color is provocative, and the flavor is delicious."
Wine & Spirits
"Pleasantly aromatic with some real complexity to the flavors that are well translated to the palate. A hint of sweetness on the finish with cleansing acidity. Good intensity and length."
Wine Enthusiast
"Distinct notes of cranberry and raspberry on the nose and palate are accented by wisps of toast and rolled oats. The acidity is elegantly wrapped in juicy fruit. As in previous vintages, this is a clean, classic and delicious treat."
Wine Enthusiast - Best of Year 2002 Issue
"A vivacious and unique sparkling red wine from Italy is an ideal gift for a delicate aperitif or elegant dessert wine. Rosa Regale has a hint of rose petal on the nose and the flavor of fresh raspberries. Its luscious berry essence balances with a crisp acidity, enticing the palate with an initial softness, graduating to a clean and dry finish."
Gotham Magazine - Wine Pick of the Season - November, 2002
Rosa Regale Brachetto d'Acqui 2000
"...a unique red sparkling wine. It has an aromatic hint of rose petals and raspberries, and is perhaps the only wine in the world that marries well with chocolate, especially dark or bittersweet. Sweet, vivacious and fragrant..."
Feastivals.com - August, 2002
"Cherished by nobility of Europe two centuries ago, Brachetto D'Acqui owes its reincarnation to Banfi. This pale ruby sparkling rose of the Brachetto grape is made at Rosa Regale, Castello Banfi's sister facility in Piemonte. Effusive with rose petal aromatics and sweet berry on the palate, this bubbly will complement most any dessert with a chocolate presence."
David P. Jones - Nob Hill Gazette - January, 2002
"...carries a scent of roses, while the taste has the brightness of raspberries and a firm mousse that makes it sparkle on the tongue."
Bonnie Walker & John Griffin - San Antonio Express-News - December, 2001
"My favorite bubbly from Italy is the sweet, dark red Brachetto d'Acqui from Piedmont. This airy frizzante, packing a mere 5 percent to 6 percent of alcohol, matches superbly with raspberries, strawberries and especially chocolate."
Ken Collura - Tampa Tribune - December, 2001
"...an excellent, sweeter brut sparkling wine. It gives off the scent of roses and very intense flavors of strawberries and raspberries."
Lain Bradford - State - December, 2001
"It's not only the color that makes it wonderfully ridiculous, it's the lean chocolate sweetness set against the redness of plums. Clean and light..." 88
Wine & Spirits - December, 2001
"It's a deep cranberry colored wine that has a hefty strawberry nose and luscious fruit flavors. With chocolate this is a wine to die for."
AlcoholReviews.com - December, 2001
"This unique sparkling red wine has strawberry and raspberry aromas and lush, fruity flavors with good balance. A snappy, off-dry finish completes the package."
Dave DeSimone - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette - November, 2001
"This lyrical Italian sparkling wine has succulent black cherry and blackberry flavors, a soft texture and a delectably persistent finish."
Robert Neralich - Arkansas Democrat Gazette - October, 2001
"...a lovely, ripe strawberry colored sparkler. A big, very sweet palate of candied strawberry, raspberry, and cherry has enough acidity to keep it from being cloying or unctuous."
Harold J. Baer - Colorado Wine News - December, 2001
"...the effervescence is softer than that of champagne, yet it yields a persistent and delicate pink froth. At seven percent alcohol, it is a refreshing choice as either an aperitif or a dessert wine, one of the few that is an ideal match to chocolates as well as fruits and pastries."
Lynn Krielow Chamberlain - Sun Journal - August, 2001
"This sparkling red wine has a festive cranberry color and a full mousse that looks like raspberry sherbet. It has a pretty and perfumy raspberry-cherry nose. Delightfully fruity on the palate, it offers lingering black cherry flavors. It's well structured with good acidity and relatively low in alcohol (7%). The perfect wine for Valentine's Day."
TableWine.com - August, 2001
"Interesting lightly sparkling wine from a relatively unknown varietal in the United States. Low alcohol with a touch of residual sugar found in the blackberry palate. Nice aperitif or dessert wine."
Bill Van Ollefen - Greenwich (CT) Time - August, 2001
Rosa Regale Brachetto d'Acqui 1999
"This is a deliciously inviting wine, with deep rose-colored hues, wildflower scent, light effervescence, and sweet fruit flavors. The taste of cherries comes first, buoyed by light watermelon flavors on the mid-palate, with a pleasant kiss of fruit on the finish."
Dick Rosano - Fra Noi - July, 2001
"Strawberry, raspberry and currant aromas. Rich and sweet, with fresh strawberry flavor throughout; very sweet, smooth finish. A dessert in itself."
Santé - June, 2001
"This unique red sparkler from Piedmont offers cherry and earth aromas before turning lighter on the palate, with slightly sweet strawberry flavors and a soft mousse. A unique wine, the finish has nice length and appealingly full fruit flavors that have appeal even to serious wine drinkers."
Wine Enthusiast - February, 2001
"Light/medium-bodied sweet sparkling wine with deep red raspberry color. Fruit-filled aromas of red raspberries and strawberries, followed by red fruit flavors. Persistent bead. Long, well-balanced and fruit-rich."
Jane Garvey - Atlanta Journal-Constitution - February, 2001
"...delicate, non-aggressive bubbles help to differentiate Brachetto d'Acqui from lower-quality sparkling wines. Instead of hitting the mouth with a tsunami of froth, it lightly tickles the tongue. The aroma and flavor are very fruity, tasting of grapes, yes, but also strawberries or raspberries. Distinctively sweet but not cloying, it's perfect for dessert - and simply divine with chocolate."
Gwyneth Doland - The Weekly Alibi (NM) - February, 2001
"This ruby red Italian sparkling wine gem is sure to please even the most reticent. Roses, black cherries and a spritz of sweet lime with a pleasing dryness..."
Southern Arizona Online - December, 2000
Rosa Regale Brachetto d'Acqui 1998
"Cherry red and foamy. Cherry drop, floral and watermelon scents. Medium-bodied, with cherry and watermelon flavors and clove and allspice notes; persistent, sweet, fruity finish. Low alcohol (7.5%). Aperitif or desserts with chocolate or red berries."
Santé - June, 2000
"This ruby-red sparkling wine from Northern Italy is a natural with chocolate desserts. Fans of this wine say that when served with chocolate, the wine's fruitiness caresses the chocolate, the acidity cuts the richness, and the bubbles are said to "envelope" the dessert. Why not pop a cork and see for yourself? "
Sally Belk King - Style Weekly - February, 2000
"A red sparkler that's a great dessert wine; lots of strawberry flavor that comes through in a deep, rich body; try with chocolate-covered strawberries." 88
Beverage Dynamics - July, 2000
Rosa Regale Brachetto d'Acqui 1996
"Bright cherry color with a garnet cast. Moderately light-bodied. Full acidity. Subtly extracted. Red fruits, dried herbs, cream. Pleasantly aromatic with some real complexity to the flavors that are well translated to the palate. A hint of sweetness on the finish with cleansing acidity. Good intensity and length." 88
Tastings.com (Beverage Testing Institue) - July, 2000
Rosa Regale Brachetto d'Acqui Vintage Not Specified
"For dazzling accompaniment to strawberries dipped in dark chocolate. This sparkling wine is wildly aromatic, bursting with soft raspberry and strawberry fruit. For a spectacular Oscar-worthy finish, pair the Rosa Regale with whole strawberries dipped into steamy dark melted chocolate, then get ready for the standing ovation from your adoring fans."
Fort Myers (FL) News-Press - February, 2007
"Always a delight for sharing with that special someone, a light red sparkler with scents and flavors of raspberry, musk and hints of floral fruit. A lovely pairing with dark chocolate desserts."
Gary Twining - Chronicle-Telegram (OH) - February, 2007
"...my very favorite celebratory pink juice is the fun, fizzy Rosa Regale Brachetto d'Acqui DOCG from Italy. It's a gorgeous red sparkling wine that was, I believe, put on this earth to sip with dark, sensuous chocolate. But try it with goat cheese, baked ham or strawberries, too."
Ted Scheffler - Salt Lake City (UT) Weekly - February, 2007
"This is another favorite of chocaholics, especially those who prefer the dark and bittersweet varieties. It also works well on its own as a sensual aperitif. Rosa Regale is a sparkling wine with an enchanting, fruity character and flavors of raspberries and rose petals. It has a pretty pink color, lots of festive bubbles and delicate rose petals on the label. In addition to chocolate, Rosa Regale also goes well with a variety of fruits such as strawberries, raspberries and blueberries, plus most desserts."
Scott Cherry - Tulsa World - February, 2007
"It's actually magenta-colored, but this tart-sweet Italian wine with aromas of roses and raspberries was one of the gifts Marc Anthony used to woo Cleopatra."
Maria C. Hunt - San Diego Union Tribune (CA) - February, 2007
Flowers are another way of expressing love, and Banfi's popular Rosa Regale has a single red rose on its label. This sweet red sparkler goes perfectly with chocolate
John Griffin - San Antonio Express (TX) - February, 2007
"This is a sparkling red wine, and it is slightly sweet but low in alcohol. It tastes like fresh strawberries and raspberries and has a frothy mousse, vibrant aromas and a clean finish."
Robert Whitley - Record (NJ) - January, 2007
"A deep red sparkling wine with a foaming head. This unusual bubbly offers scents of roses and berries."
Utah Style & Design - January, 2007
"...a nice wine, slightly frothy with brilliant color and a somewhat sweet character that measured well against dark chocolate."
Michael Muckian - The Capital Times - February, 2006
"It's a sparkling red with a hint of raspberries and rose petals inside a classy, flowery label. This vivacious wine is good with a wide range of desserts and is one of only a few wines that marries well with chocolate."
Scott Cherry - Tulsa World - February, 2006
".. is consistently good and would be a delicious Valentine's Day choice."
Paul Lukacs - The Washington Times - February, 2006
"This sparkling wine is deep red in color with a bouquet of rose petals and raspberries. The flavors of bright berry fruits come alive in your mouth. The finish is crisp and delicate. Try this at the end of your meal with some assorted chocolates."
John Solomon - Redlands Daily Facts - February, 2006
"Made from the little-known Brachetto grapes of Italy, the pink sparkling wine called Banfi Rosa Regale graced my table more than a few times this year. It's a luscious aperitif wine and even more spectacular served with chocolate. Imagine a fizzy low-alcohol (7 percent) pink drink that tastes like raspberry coulis over chocolate truffles—yes, sex in a bottle."
Ted Scheffler - Salt Lake City Weekly - January, 2005
"Vigne Regali has produced one of the most intriguing versions of Brachetto d'Acqui, their Rosa Regale. In their unique decanter bottle, you will find a brilliant ruby-colored sparkling wine with an intense bouquet and notes of red berries and wild roses. On the palate it is soft and creamy. At the same time it is rich and exuberant with fresh fruit character, particularly raspberries, blueberries, and wild forest strawberries. A delight that truly earns our Oscar." OSCAR
Spumanti d’Italia del Gambero Rosso 2006 - December, 2005
"In its attractive squat and bulbous bottle, this is a unique red sparkling wine. Soft and appealing, it's great just as an aperitif or after-dinner sparkler."
Bob Chaplin - Branford Review - October, 2005
"a sweet red sparkling wine with a beguiling aroma and sweet flavors, but also enough acid to stand up to a sinful chocolate. Also, those bubbles do more than tickle your nose, they also help the acids get your tongue ready for its next hit of sweet."
Wes Marshall - Austin Chronicle - February, 2005
"Chocolate's Soulmate - dazzle the object of your affections with the Banfi's Rosa Regale, a tasty Italian sparkler that exhibits loads of roses and raspberries with a less-than-lethal 7 percent alcohol content." * * *
Richard Fadeley - Free Times - February, 2005
"If your direction is toward an Italian dinner, fine choice for a wine to accompany the meal would be Rosa Regale Brachetto. This wine is sparkling delight featuring an impressive floral aroma and expressing a flavor of blackberries and even more blackberries. This is a sweet wine for the sweet one in your life and we are sure that they will be pleased with the choice."
Sheila & Bennet Bodenstein - Hi-Riser - February, 2005
"A true curiosity – though far from a rarity – is Rosa Regale Brachetto d'Acqui from Italy, which has the pinkness of a Peace Rose and an extraordinary raspberry-cherry aroma with just the nicest touch of sweetness to make it both delicious and refreshing. . . .it is an amazingly good buy and ideal for the holidays."
Culinary Concierge - December, 2005
"A unique red sparkling wine. Sweet and appealing. Aromatic with a hint of rose petals and raspberries, best with chocolate, especially dark or bittersweet."
Heidi R. Centrella - Journal Record - December, 2004
"Reds can sparkle, too. The grape is the Brachetto. The color is similar to that of a Pinot Noir, and the flavor is an amalgam of raspberries, chocolate and rose petals."
Lauren Chapin - The Kansas City Star - December, 2004
"A Holiday 'A Major'....embodying all that is festive for the holiday season. Let go of your preconceptions - you’re gonna like this one."
Nancy Walman - The Walman Report - December, 2004
"Lively, fizzy and fruity with hints of strawberries, it is delicious served with fruit pies and tarts."
Deborah Scoblionkov - The Philadelphia Inquirer - November, 2004
"A unique red sparkling wine. Sweet and appealing. Aromatic with a hint of rose petals and raspberries, best with chocolate, especially dark or bittersweet."
Paul Koder - Richmond Magazine - September, 2004
"This is a very unique red sparkling wine from Italy. The bouquet is loaded with hints of raspberries and roses. Once in your mouth this wine screams for chocolate. The slightly sweet flavors bounce around in your mouth as you crave another sip. This sparkling wine is perfect for fruit salads, strawberries or whip cream based desserts. Serve chilled and enjoy."
John Solomon - San Bernardino Sun - June, 2004
"Rosa Regale - Frothy, darkly fruited, softly sweet with a hint of musk, a delightful sparkler that is perfect with chocolate or to sip on its own. Perfect for the chocoholic out there that is looking for a lovely pairing for dark chocolate desserts."
Gary Twining - Chronicle Telegram (OH) - October, 2006
Rosa Regale Brachetto d'Acqui Vintage Not Specified
This is a sparkling wine made form Brachetto grapes grown in the Piedmont region of Italy. The fermentation is arrested around 5% alchol leaving the wine partially fermented and sweet with residual sugar. The flavors of strawberries, raspberries and black cherries make this an ideal wine for chocolate desserts. It's one of my favorite dessert wines.
What Would Alpana Drink? - December, 2008
This red sparkling wine is made from lighly aromatic Brachetto grapes grown principally around Piedmonte. Has a special affinity for desserts made with dark chocolate.
Roberta Sabban - Palm Beach Daily News - December, 2008