Brancaia Il Blu (750ml)
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Wine Type
Red Wine
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Size
750ml
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Vintage
2019
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Country
Italy
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Region
Tuscany
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Sub-Region
Chianti
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Grape
Cabernet SauvignonMerlotSangiovese
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Food Pairing
GamePasta DishesRoast meats
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Farming Method
OrganicAll of our products that are tagged with the term Organic are either organic certified or organic practicing. Learn More
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ABV
14.5%
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Vegan Friendly
Yes
Purchased in 1981 by Swiss couple Brigitte and Bruno Widmer, the original estate sitting atop the Brancaia hill, it was initially a place for their family to visit on holiday. The 20 ha site sported a house in desperate need of renovations and 4 ha of vineyards; a well-protected plot surrounding by deep woods, free from any neighbouring vineyards that have been sprayed with chemicals.
After their Chianti Classico (1983) won a blind tasting in 1986, it wasn’t soon after that the Widmer’s bought 53 ha more, located in Radda. During that time, their famous Il Blu was produced- a blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot. This blend didn’t meet the requirements and/or guidelines to be classified as Chianti Classico and the Widmer family found themselves part of the Super Tuscan movement, a label eventually granted by the Italian government in 1992 known as: Toscana IGT.
Tasting Notes
Aromas of currant, violet and cocoa. A wine of great structure, with elegant, firm and creamy tannins. Rich and intense, with sweet currant and wild berries characterizing the finish. Pair with red sauce pasta dishes, game meats, or your favourite Sunday roast.
Method
Made from 70% Merlot, 25% Sangiovese, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. Harvested between September and October, the juice is fermented at 28 degrees C with skin contact for 18 days. The wine ages in 2/3 in new barriques, 1/3 in used barriques and spends 20 months in barriques, at least 12 months in the bottle for release.
Our Thoughts
The top wines from Brancaia are special for a reason. Simultaneously elegant but powerful, this wine has a lot to offer on the nose; oak spice, tons of dark fruit, chocolate, flowers and more. The palate is expansive and rich with well-integrated tannins and ample acidity, with a long, smooth finish. This is drinking beautifully now but will develop into something really special if given the time.
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