Brancaia

Brancaia's White is a fresh cuvée based on Sauvignon Blanc. Fruity bouquet, smooth with good acidity on the palate. Very harmonious, international and compatible with many occasions. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2019 Il Bianco is mostly Sauvignon Blanc with a kick of Viognier. Bright, fresh and crisp, the Bianco is both delicious and distinctive." Vinous

The grapes of this 100% Merlot come from a single vineyard of Brancaia's Maremma branch. Bright salmon pink, scents of floral notes and watermelon, ends fresh with a mineral vein. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rosé wines are still a small but fine niche in Tuscany: from the coast to the hills of Chianti, you can find wines in every vintage that are among the best that Italy has to offer. Like this Rosato made from Merlot grapes from the renowned Brancaia winery (with estates in Castellina in Chianti, Radda in Chianti and Grosseto). After three months on the lees, it produces a mineral rosé with a bouquet of rose blossoms and berries, a pithy acidity on the palate, a lot of grinding and a long final." Vinum

"Pastel shades, already in the color very chic! Delicately fruity in the fragrance, raspberry, sweet cherry. Wonderfully precise in the fruit and arrow-straight in the palate structure, finely nerved, fresh, light in the alcohol and yet in the extract and length far above average. First-class harvest, sensitive winemaking. A great pleasure." Falstaff

"A bright, fresh rosé with sliced white peaches and apples. Some lemons. Vivid. Medium to full body. Crisp finish." James Suckling

The carefully selected grapes come from the three Tuscan wineries: Brancaia (Castellina), Poppi (Radda) and Brancaia in Maremma (Morellino di Scansano). TRE is a wine full of character that gives great drinking pleasure from an early age. Fruity bouquet with spicy nuances, blackberry and sour cherry. The taste is dense, powerful and soft at the same time. Beautiful wine with finest tannins, elegant finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Shining Ruby. Inviting and hearty-sweet nose of ripe cherries, raspberries, lightly toasted hazelnuts. On the palate with a beautiful melt, clear and present fruit, juicy, balanced body, with tension." Falstaff

"A soft, easy red with plums, chocolate and hints of orange peel. Medium body. Fresh at the finish." James Suckling

"The 2018 Tre is a sumptuous beauty. Silky tannins wrap around a core of black cherry, plum, leather, spice, licorice and espresso. All the elements are so nicely balanced in this entry-level offering. Don't miss it." Vinous

This is the second vintage of the pure Cabernet Sauvignon from Barbara Widmer's Maremma branch. Powerful, deep ruby red, in the nose animating scent of dark berries, coffee, cocoa, eucalyptus and spices. In the drink then notes of green pepper, fine sweetness and juiciness. The tannins are polished and prepare the way to a long, silky finish. SUPERIORE.DE

The carefully selected grapes come from the three Tuscan wineries: Brancaia (Castellina), Poppi (Radda) and Brancaia in Maremma (Morellino di Scansano). TRE is a wine full of character that gives great drinking pleasure from an early age. Fruity bouquet with spicy nuances, blackberry and sour cherry. The taste is dense, powerful and soft at the same time. Beautiful wine with finest tannins, elegant finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Shining Ruby. Inviting and hearty-sweet nose of ripe cherries, raspberries, lightly toasted hazelnuts. On the palate with a beautiful melt, clear and present fruit, juicy, balanced body, with tension." Falstaff

"A soft, easy red with plums, chocolate and hints of orange peel. Medium body. Fresh at the finish." James Suckling

"The 2018 Tre is a sumptuous beauty. Silky tannins wrap around a core of black cherry, plum, leather, spice, licorice and espresso. All the elements are so nicely balanced in this entry-level offering. Don't miss it." Vinous

Attractive riserva with classic aromas of sour cherries, dark forest fruits and enigmatic liquorice. Elegant fruit and delicate structure on the palate, compact, well integrated tannins and an impressively long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark glowing ruby red. Delicately spicy nose is underlain by a subtle wood tone, ripe cherry and rich forest berries. On the palate very juicy with well integrated acidity, shows elegant cherry fruit, harmonious in approach and course." Falstaff

"This is a very spicy Chianti Classico Riserva that shows toasty oak, dark chocolate, coffee beans and a backdrop of plum paste and Christmas pudding. Full-bodied and decadent on the palate with ripe and round tannins and a structured finish. Drink from 2023." James Suckling

"The 2016 Chianti Classico Riserva is bold, powerful and explosive, with superb depth and tons of intensity. The addition of 20% Merlot in the blend and copious new French oak give the Riserva a decidedly modern, opulent feel, and yet all the elements are impeccably balanced throughout. This is Brancaia at their best." Vinous

"The 2016 Chianti Classico Riserva is a beautiful wine that does an excellent job of stringing together the many varied components of what makes a great Chianti Classico and puts them all together in a single bottle. The wine is balanced and intense with a long bouquet that starts off with black primary fruit and then trails off into a continuum of spice, leather, tar and tilled earth. There are many levels to consider here. The mouthfeel is equal parts structured, fresh and succulent, and these three factors fit together with precision. This is a terrific wine and one that I will readily drink with a grilled veal steak with my favorite roasted potatoes." Robert Parker

Ilatraia was born in 2002 and is a true Supertuscan from international grape varieties that ripen optimally in the dry summers of the Maremma, even without irrigation.

Deep dark ruby. Opulent nose of red berries, pleasant smoky note and fine herbal spice. On the palate opulent and round, the fine tannins give the wine a delicate but certain structure and the necessary seriousness until the long, soft finish. The well integrated wood and the fruit of the Cabernet grape find an exciting symbiosis here in a very harmonious way with the rather strict and taut Petit Verdot style. The wine gets better with every edition and 2015 was a perfect year with an optimal climate and ideal ripening point of the grapes. SUPERIORE.DE

"Velvety, rich ruby violet. Very clear, fruity nose, with notes of blueberry, dark currant and forest raspberry. Round and supple at the base, opens with fine-meshed tannin, polished and surprisingly fresh, with an aftertaste of sweet enamel." Falstaff

"The 2015 Ilatraia is a dark, fleshy wine. Blackberry jam, espresso, grilled herbs, menthol, licorice and lavender infuse this fleshy, wonderfully resonant Maremma blend. Powerful and racy in the glass, the 2015 offers plenty of near and medium-term appeal. Depth and a real sense of gravitas infuse this succulent red from the Tuscan coast."Antonio Galloni

"The 2015 Ilatraia is a drop-dead gorgeous blend of 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Petit Verdot and 20% Cabernet Franc with all fruit coming from Brancaia's Maremma vineyards along the Tuscan coast. This warm vintage has shaped an exuberant and intense red wine that hits the palate with lavish richness. The complex bouquet is composed of dark fruit elements that are contrasted seamlessly against spice, sweet tobacco and campfire ash. Yet the mouthfeel is never too heavy or overextracted. There's a lot to enjoy here." Robert Parker

"Aromas of black licorice and blackberry. Blueberry, too. This is so complex. Full body, extremely silky and polished with lovely tannins. Deep and long. It seems powerful and rich yet ends so balanced and refined. A blend of cabernet sauvignon, petit verdot and cabernet franc." James Suckling

Deep dark ruby. Opulent nose of red berries, pleasant smoke note and fine herbal spice. Opulent and round on the palate, the fine tannins give the wine a delicate but determined framework and the necessary seriousness until the long, soft finish. The well-integrated wood and the fruit of the Cabernet grape find an exciting symbiosis here in a very harmonious way with the rather strict and tight Petit Verdot style. The wine is getting better with every edition and 2016 was an almost perfect year with optimal climate and ideal ripening point of the grapes. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, deep ruby red. Opened with lots of crisp, present berry fruit, some cassis, raspberry and goji berries. Powerful, gripping tannin on the palate, lots of ripe fruit, some rough wood in the final." Falstaff

"This blend of Petit Verdot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc features aromas of black-skinned berry, toasted hazelnut and underbrush. The structured palate delivers blackberry jam, toasted oak, licorice and tobacco alongside polished tannins." Wine Enthusiast

"The 2016 Ilatraia is laced with blackberry jam, grilled herbs, leather, bittersweet chocolate, espresso, smoke and menthol. Unctuous on the palate, with tremendous richness, Ilatraia is a decidedly heady, concentrated wine. All of the richness, power and breadth of Maremma come through loud and clear in this bold, beautifully intense Tuscan red." Vinous

"This is really impressive with roasted blackberries, thyme, forest floor, pine needles, conifer, iodine, mint and light vanilla. Powerful and muscular, but agile and floral, this sweeps through decadent layers of dark fruit, while keeping the linear acidity constantly in view. Long and very structured on the finish." James Suckling

"A blend of 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Petit Verdot and 20% Cabernet Franc, the 2016 Ilatraia is a terrific, full-bodied expression from Tuscany. If you love this combination of full-throttle grapes, I suggest you try this rendition. It tends to be more delicate and nuanced at the edges compared to a similar blend from a New World wine region, like say, California. The wine is contoured and full but never heavy. Indeed, the aromas of blackberry, spice and tar remain surprisingly fresh and bright. This is a big wine to be sure, but there is a lot of tonic energy packed tight within." Robert Parker

Impenetrable, bright ruby red with an aromatic play of redcurrants and blueberries and fine toasty notes. The soft, balanced body offers a perfect interplay between the excellent tannin structure and the alcohol component. In the highly convincing final a clear, very pleasant spiciness is noticeable. SUPERIORE.DE

"Deep dark ruby with purple. In the nose it shows pronounced notes of smoke and wet stones, behind this a lot of blackberry and plum. Dense and full on the palate, at the same time a lot of juicy fruit, opens with gripping tannin, spans a wide arc." Falstaff

"A bright, tension-filled style, offering blackberry, black currant, iron, tar and rosemary aromas and flavors. The tannins are formidable yet refined, with sweet, ripe fruit returning on the finish." Wine Spectator

"Tight and firm with very pretty dark fruit and earth character. Medium to full body, silky tannins and a fresh finish. A blend of sangiovese, merlot and cabernet sauvignon." James Suckling

"Brancaia's Il Blu is gorgeous in 2016. Fresh, perfumed and beautifully lifted, the 2016 strikes a captivating balance between power and finesse. Red cherry, flowers, mint, cinnamon and blood orange all give the 2016 brightness and vitality, and yet there is plenty of the richness readers have come to expect from this wine as well. The 2016 is one of the more polished, nuanced vintages of Brancaia I can remember tasting." Vinous

"This blend has one of the most impressive track records of a modern Tuscan blend that I can think of. The 2016 Il Blu is a beautifully balanced and precise blend that pits the freshness and authenticity of Sangiovese against the softness and fruitiness of the Merlot. Although the Sangiovese plays a supporting role in the blend, its influence and signature go far to creating the overall identity of this special wine. It's a very nice effort to celebrate with a grilled T-bone." Robert Parker

Deep dark ruby. Opulent nose of red berries, pleasant smoke note and fine herbal spice. Opulent and round on the palate, the fine tannins give the wine a delicate but determined framework and the necessary seriousness until the long, soft finish. The well-integrated wood and the fruit of the Cabernet grape find an exciting symbiosis here in a very harmonious way with the rather strict and tight Petit Verdot style. The wine is getting better with every edition and 2016 was an almost perfect year with optimal climate and ideal ripening point of the grapes. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, deep ruby red. Opened with lots of crisp, present berry fruit, some cassis, raspberry and goji berries. Powerful, gripping tannin on the palate, lots of ripe fruit, some rough wood in the final." Falstaff

"This blend of Petit Verdot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc features aromas of black-skinned berry, toasted hazelnut and underbrush. The structured palate delivers blackberry jam, toasted oak, licorice and tobacco alongside polished tannins." Wine Enthusiast

"The 2016 Ilatraia is laced with blackberry jam, grilled herbs, leather, bittersweet chocolate, espresso, smoke and menthol. Unctuous on the palate, with tremendous richness, Ilatraia is a decidedly heady, concentrated wine. All of the richness, power and breadth of Maremma come through loud and clear in this bold, beautifully intense Tuscan red." Vinous

"This is really impressive with roasted blackberries, thyme, forest floor, pine needles, conifer, iodine, mint and light vanilla. Powerful and muscular, but agile and floral, this sweeps through decadent layers of dark fruit, while keeping the linear acidity constantly in view. Long and very structured on the finish." James Suckling

"A blend of 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Petit Verdot and 20% Cabernet Franc, the 2016 Ilatraia is a terrific, full-bodied expression from Tuscany. If you love this combination of full-throttle grapes, I suggest you try this rendition. It tends to be more delicate and nuanced at the edges compared to a similar blend from a New World wine region, like say, California. The wine is contoured and full but never heavy. Indeed, the aromas of blackberry, spice and tar remain surprisingly fresh and bright. This is a big wine to be sure, but there is a lot of tonic energy packed tight within." Robert Parker

Impenetrable, bright ruby red with an aromatic play of redcurrants and blueberries and fine toasty notes. The soft, balanced body offers a perfect interplay between the excellent tannin structure and the alcohol component. In the highly convincing final a clear, very pleasant spiciness is noticeable. SUPERIORE.DE

"Deep dark ruby with purple. In the nose it shows pronounced notes of smoke and wet stones, behind this a lot of blackberry and plum. Dense and full on the palate, at the same time a lot of juicy fruit, opens with gripping tannin, spans a wide arc." Falstaff

"A bright, tension-filled style, offering blackberry, black currant, iron, tar and rosemary aromas and flavors. The tannins are formidable yet refined, with sweet, ripe fruit returning on the finish." Wine Spectator

"Tight and firm with very pretty dark fruit and earth character. Medium to full body, silky tannins and a fresh finish. A blend of sangiovese, merlot and cabernet sauvignon." James Suckling

"Brancaia's Il Blu is gorgeous in 2016. Fresh, perfumed and beautifully lifted, the 2016 strikes a captivating balance between power and finesse. Red cherry, flowers, mint, cinnamon and blood orange all give the 2016 brightness and vitality, and yet there is plenty of the richness readers have come to expect from this wine as well. The 2016 is one of the more polished, nuanced vintages of Brancaia I can remember tasting." Vinous

"This blend has one of the most impressive track records of a modern Tuscan blend that I can think of. The 2016 Il Blu is a beautifully balanced and precise blend that pits the freshness and authenticity of Sangiovese against the softness and fruitiness of the Merlot. Although the Sangiovese plays a supporting role in the blend, its influence and signature go far to creating the overall identity of this special wine. It's a very nice effort to celebrate with a grilled T-bone." Robert Parker

Deep dark ruby. Opulent nose of red berries, pleasant smoke note and fine herbal spice. Opulent and round on the palate, the fine tannins give the wine a delicate but determined framework and the necessary seriousness until the long, soft finish. The well-integrated wood and the fruit of the Cabernet grape find an exciting symbiosis here in a very harmonious way with the rather strict and tight Petit Verdot style. The wine is getting better with every edition and 2016 was an almost perfect year with optimal climate and ideal ripening point of the grapes. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, deep ruby red. Opened with lots of crisp, present berry fruit, some cassis, raspberry and goji berries. Powerful, gripping tannin on the palate, lots of ripe fruit, some rough wood in the final." Falstaff

"This blend of Petit Verdot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc features aromas of black-skinned berry, toasted hazelnut and underbrush. The structured palate delivers blackberry jam, toasted oak, licorice and tobacco alongside polished tannins." Wine Enthusiast

"The 2016 Ilatraia is laced with blackberry jam, grilled herbs, leather, bittersweet chocolate, espresso, smoke and menthol. Unctuous on the palate, with tremendous richness, Ilatraia is a decidedly heady, concentrated wine. All of the richness, power and breadth of Maremma come through loud and clear in this bold, beautifully intense Tuscan red." Vinous

"This is really impressive with roasted blackberries, thyme, forest floor, pine needles, conifer, iodine, mint and light vanilla. Powerful and muscular, but agile and floral, this sweeps through decadent layers of dark fruit, while keeping the linear acidity constantly in view. Long and very structured on the finish." James Suckling

"A blend of 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Petit Verdot and 20% Cabernet Franc, the 2016 Ilatraia is a terrific, full-bodied expression from Tuscany. If you love this combination of full-throttle grapes, I suggest you try this rendition. It tends to be more delicate and nuanced at the edges compared to a similar blend from a New World wine region, like say, California. The wine is contoured and full but never heavy. Indeed, the aromas of blackberry, spice and tar remain surprisingly fresh and bright. This is a big wine to be sure, but there is a lot of tonic energy packed tight within." Robert Parker