Italy
Brancaia
Radda
Winemaker: Barbara Widmer
Swiss couple Brigitte and Bruno Widmer, with daughter Barbara and son-in-law Martin, run this property better than clockwork and, in two decades, have firmly established Brancaia as one of Tuscany's leading estates. The vineyards at Poppi (Radda) and La Brancaia (Castellina) are on ideal hillside locations at 230-400 metres above sea level, planted to 6000 vines per hectare on lean, stony, calcareous soil to naturally produce a low yield.
Chianti Classico, made with a smidge of Merlot, is produced as others would a Riserva and is a shining example of modern Chianti Classico that rewards cellaring. SuperTuscan 'Il Blu' made its debut with the 1988 vintage and has since garnered 11 Gambero Rosso Tre Bicchieri. A blend of 50% Sangiovese, 45% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, aged 18-20 months in French barriques, Il Blu is packed with rich, ripe powerful fruit that is beautifully balanced with freshness and elegance. A sensational wine that always drinks well in its youth, but has the finesse to age gracefully over 20 years in the best vintages.
Ilatraia is the new wine from their Maremma estate, established in 1998. The 34 hectares of vineyards, 11 kilometres from the sea and southeast of Grosseto, are planted to Sangiovese, Cabernet, Petit Verdot and Merlot. The wine, a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Sangiovese and 10% Petit Verdot, is a real thoroughbred, immaculately packaged with all the hallmarks of the Brancaia stable.
What's new: Tre is a blend of Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet from the three vineyards in Radda, Castellina and Maremma. The bright, juicy Sangiovese fruit is well supported with the richness of Merlot and Cabernet, promoting youthful drinking.
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Wines
Tre IGT
Chianti Classico DOCG x 6
Il Blu IGT x 6
Ilatraia IGT x 6
Grappa x 6