Brancaia
Chianti Classico Riserva 2022
| Denomination | DOCG Chianti Classico |
|---|---|
| Size | 0,75 l |
| Alcohol content | 14.5% by volume |
| Area | Tuscany (Italy) |
| Grape varieties | 80% Sangiovese, 20% Merlot |
| Aging | Aged for 16 months in tonneaux (Sangiovese) and barriques (Merlot), half new and half used; then matured in bottle for at least 8 months. |
- Name and vintage: Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG Tuscany, harvest 2022
- Organic blend: 80% Sangiovese and 20% Merlot from Castellina and Radda in Chianti
- Aged in wood: 16 months in tonneaux and barriques followed by at least 8 months in bottle
- Aromatic profile: cherry and dark fruits with spicy notes, leather and earthy nuances
- Pairings and serving: 16-18 °C, decant for 1 hour; ideal with grilled meats, game and cheeses
Description
What kind of wine it is
Brancaia's Chianti Classico Riserva is an organic red wine created from a meticulous blend of Sangiovese and Merlot. In the glass, it reveals a solid and balanced structure, with an aromatic profile centred on intense notes of cherry and dark fruits. The bouquet is enriched with hints of spices, leather and earthy nuances, leading to a fresh and succulent palate. Thanks to its elegance and persistence, it pairs superbly with grilled meats, game stews, porcini mushroom risottos and mature cheeses.
Where it comes from
The grapes are grown in the heart of Tuscany, between the areas of Castellina and Radda, prime territories for Chianti Classico. The vineyards stretch across south and south-west facing hillsides, at altitudes between 230 and 400 metres. The deep clay soil, composed of silt, clay and sand, ensures a vital water reserve to protect the vines from drought. In the Radda area, the soil also contains a high proportion of stones. The continental climate, with cold winters and very hot summers, promotes optimal ripening of the grapes and an ideal vegetative balance.
How it is produced
Vineyard management follows organic production principles, with vines trained using the spur-pruned cordon method. The manual harvest takes place between late September and early October, ensuring precise selection of the bunches. Vinification involves fermentation on the skins at controlled temperatures for around twenty days. The maturation phase lasts sixteen months in new and used barrels, allowing the varieties to evolve harmoniously. The process concludes with bottle ageing for at least eight months, necessary to consolidate the wine's overall balance before release.
History and Curiosities
Since 1981, Brancaia has combined authentic Italian style with meticulous Swiss precision, creating outstanding wines in Tuscany. Under the guidance of oenologists Barbara Widmer and Carlo Ferrini, this Chianti Classico Riserva is produced between the municipalities of Castellina and Radda in Chianti. The estate’s 90 hectares follow an organic and sustainable philosophy, respecting the deep connection with the local terroir. This commitment is recognised internationally, as evidenced by the 94 points awarded to the 2022 vintage by James Suckling.
Awards
-
2022
91/100
Decanter is a wine and lifestyle magazine, published monthly in around 90 countries. The magazine includes industry news, classic guides and advice on wine and spirits.
-
2022
94/100
James Suckling is an influential American wine critic and journalist who worked at Wine Spectator for 30 years. He left the magazine in 2010 to start his own website and guidebook (JamesSuckling.com). He specialises in Italian and Bordeaux wines.
Tasting notes
Perfume
Color
Taste
Serve at:
16 - 18 °C
Longevity:
10 - 15 years
Decanting time:
1 hour
- Start up year: 1981
- Oenologist: Barbara Widmer, Carlo Ferrini
- Bottles produced: 614.000
- Hectares: 90
| Name | Brancaia Chianti Classico Riserva 2022 |
|---|---|
| Type | Red organic still |
| Denomination | Chianti Classico DOCG |
| Vintage | 2022 |
| Size | 0,75 l |
| Alcohol content | 14.5% by volume |
| Grape varieties | 80% Sangiovese, 20% Merlot |
| Country | Italy |
| Region | Tuscany |
| Vendor | Brancaia |
| Story | History and Curiosities Since 1981, Brancaia has combined authentic Italian style with meticulous Swiss precision, creating outstanding wines in Tuscany. Under the guidance of oenologists Barbara Widmer and Carlo Ferrini, this Chianti Classico Riserva is produced between the municipalities of Castellina and Radda in Chianti. The estate’s 90 hectares follow an organic and sustainable philosophy, respecting the deep connection with the local terroir. This commitment is recognised internationally, as evidenced by the 94 points awarded to the 2022 vintage by James Suckling. |
| Origin | Castellina in Chianti, Radda in Chianti |
| Climate | Continental climate with cold winters (below 0 °C) and very hot summers (over 40 °C), with rainfall concentrated between October and April |
| Soil composition | Clay soil of medium fertility with equal parts of silt, clay and sand; in Radda: medium-textured soil, rich in coarse fragments (stones) |
| Harvest | From the second half of September to the early days of October |
| Fermentation temperature | 30–32 °C |
| Fermentation | Up to 20 days |
| Production technique | Manual harvesting; fermentation at controlled temperature (30–32 °C) in contact with the skins; maturation in tonneaux and barriques (half new and half used); ageing in bottle |
| Wine making | Manual harvest between late September and early October; fermentation in contact with the skins at a controlled temperature of 30–32 °C with alcoholic fermentation lasting up to 20 days; maturation in tonneaux and barriques (half new and half used) for 16 months, with the Sangiovese in tonneaux and the Merlot in barriques; bottling and ageing in bottle for at least 8 months. |
| Aging | Aged for 16 months in tonneaux (Sangiovese) and barriques (Merlot), half new and half used; then matured in bottle for at least 8 months. |
| Total acidity | 6.4 gr/L |
| Year production | 614000 bottles |
| Allergens | Contains sulphites |