Brancaia
Il Blu 2021
| Denomination | IGT Toscana |
|---|---|
| Size | 0,75 l |
| Alcohol content | 14.0% by volume |
| Area | Tuscany (Italy) |
| Grape varieties | 80% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Sangiovese |
| Aging | 18 months in French barriques (two-thirds new, one-third used), 3 months in uncoated concrete tanks and 12 months in bottle |
- Name and vintage: Toscana IGT 2021, organic still red wine Il Blu
- Grape blend: Predominantly Merlot, Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon
- Vinification: Hand-picked, 20 days maceration, fermentation at 30–32 °C
- Ageing: 18–20 months in French barriques (2/3 new), then concrete and 12 months in bottle
- Tasting and pairings: Structured and dry, soft tannins; suitable for red meats and game
Description
What kind of wine it is
Blu di Brancaia is a profound still organic red wine that faithfully expresses the identity of the Tuscan landscape. This robust blend combines Merlot, Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon in a broad and enveloping sip. On the palate, it is dry and full-bodied, consistently guided by creamy, elegant tannins that enrich its structure. The complex bouquet explores vibrant notes of wild berries and cherry chocolate, enhanced by hints of liquorice and mint. The tasting culminates in a long and balanced finish, impeccably supported by a pleasant mineral freshness.
Where it comes from
The grapes come from the sunlit slopes of Chianti, carefully cultivated in the estates of Castellina in Chianti and Radda in Chianti. The vines grow between 230 and 400 metres above sea level, rooted in lean, stony soil characterised by clay, sand and limestone. This soil composition, combined with a high planting density and strictly controlled yields, encourages ideal ripening of the grapes. The deep respect for organic farming allows the aromas to be concentrated in the fruit, a key element that ensures the wine has a defined structure and an unmistakable territorial character.
How it is produced
After a careful manual harvest, the grapes macerate in contact with the skins for about twenty days during fermentation at a controlled temperature. Each variety matures separately in barrels to acquire volume and structural complexity. After blending, the wine rests in concrete vats, an essential step to meld the aromas and gently smooth the tannic texture. A measured final ageing period completes the profile of this great Tuscan red, giving it vibrant harmony and excellent potential for long ageing.
History and Curiosities
Since 1988, Brancaia Il Blu has represented the pinnacle of quality for the winery of Brigitte and Bruno Widmer. This majestic organic red wine, predominantly Merlot, is made from hand-picked grapes grown in the rocky soils of Chianti. The expert maturation in French barriques imparts velvety tannins and a clear structure, enhanced by notes of blackberry, chocolate and cedar. Highly acclaimed by critics, this Tuscan masterpiece guarantees longevity of up to 25 years, making it the ideal choice to elegantly complement fine cuts of red meat and game.
Awards
-
2021
97/100
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.
-
2021
95/100
The prestigious international wine guide from the renowned Robert Parker, the world's most experienced and trusted wine taster.
-
2021
3One of the most prestigious wine guides in Italy.
-
2021
96/100
Vinous is the online guide from Antonio Galloni, one of the world's leading wine connoisseurs.
-
2021
4Italian Sommelier Association (AIS) guide
-
2021
95/100
Wine spectator is the most influential wine guide on the internet.
Tasting notes
Perlage
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 Il Blu 2021 |
|---|---|
| Type | Red organic still |
| Denomination | Toscana IGT |
| Vintage | 2021 |
| Size | 0,75 l |
| Alcohol content | 14.0% by volume |
| Grape varieties | 80% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Sangiovese |
| Country | Italy |
| Region | Tuscany |
| Vendor | Brancaia |
| Story | History and Curiosities Since 1988, Brancaia Il Blu has represented the pinnacle of quality for the winery of Brigitte and Bruno Widmer. This majestic organic red wine, predominantly Merlot, is made from hand-picked grapes grown in the rocky soils of Chianti. The expert maturation in French barriques imparts velvety tannins and a clear structure, enhanced by notes of blackberry, chocolate and cedar. Highly acclaimed by critics, this Tuscan masterpiece guarantees longevity of up to 25 years, making it the ideal choice to elegantly complement fine cuts of red meat and game. |
| Origin | Castellina in Chianti and Radda in Chianti (Chianti, Tuscany, Italy) |
| Soil composition | Poor and rocky soil with portions of clay, sand and limestone |
| Cultivation system | Single-arm spur cordon |
| Plants per hectare | 6000 plants/ha |
| Yield per hectare | 5,500 kg/ha |
| Harvest | 23 August-29 September |
| Fermentation temperature | 30–32 °C |
| Fermentation | 20 days |
| Production technique | Manual harvesting of the grapes; 20-day maceration and fermentation at 30–32 °C; separate ageing by variety in French barriques for 18–20 months (2/3 new), then 3 months in uncoated concrete tanks and 12 months in the bottle. |
| Wine making | Hand-picked grapes, selected and pressed; maceration in contact with the skins for 20 days with fermentation at 30–32 °C. Each variety ferments and matures separately in French barriques for 18–20 months (2/3 new, 1/3 used), then 3 months in unlined concrete vats; blending and subsequent ageing for 12 months in bottle. |
| Aging | 18 months in French barriques (two-thirds new, one-third used), 3 months in uncoated concrete tanks and 12 months in bottle |
| Total acidity | 5.7 gr/L |
| Allergens | Contains sulphites |