Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG 2022 (BIO)

Casa Brancaia | Tuscany
Brancaia s.a. a r.l. | Loc. Poppi | IT 53017 Radda in Chianti

09324822 · 0,75 l · 98,67 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shippingavailable immediately

In 1981, Bruno and Brigitte Widmer from Switzerland bought an estate in Castellina in Chianti. They were not from a family of winegrowers, nor did they have any local roots – just the conviction that this patch of land held something extraordinary. The vineyard, which the estate refers to internally as "Vigna 10" or "Blocco 10" immediately caught their eye: a south-east-facing plot at an altitude of 240 to 265 metres, on clay-rich galestro soil, which gives the Sangiovese in Chianti Classico its characteristic balance between intensity and freshness. The Widmers knew this. Yet they waited. For before a vineyard can give its best, it needs vines with roots that run deep enough. In 1999, the plot was replanted – with five of the finest Sangiovese clones, which the ambitious "Chianti Classico 2000" research project had selected from across the entire Chianti region in the 1980s. This was no quick fix, but a commitment that took decades to fulfil.

Brancaia released the first vintage of its Gran Selezione in 2019 – once the vines were old enough to demonstrate the full potential of this vineyard. 100% Sangiovese, organically farmed. Vinification and selection focus exclusively on the very best of this plot. 18 months’ ageing in French oak tonneaux, followed by three months in concrete tanks to develop finesse and minerality – and at least a further twelve months’ bottle ageing. 2022 was a warm, concentrated vintage in Castellina. The galestro soils of Vigna 10, which retain moisture and slow down ripening, proved to be the ideal counterbalance to the summer heat.

A deep, luminous ruby red. The bouquet is complex and aromatic: red fruits, herbs, leather, liquorice, tobacco – , multi-layered and imbued with great serenity. On the palate, it displays great structure and refined elegance, with final long-lasting, precise final. A wine that embodies patience and perseverance. SUPERIORE.DE

"Scents of vanilla and pepper infuse strawberry. The palate is sleek and smooth with plump, pristine fruit lit up by bright acidity. An earthy timbre of forest brush imparts intrigue. There's a nice bite of tannins on the finish, but they remain gracious." Decanter

"The Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2022 reveals aromas of pipe tobacco, cedar, mint, dried cherries, liquorice, mocha and blood orange. With a medium body and elegant structure, as well as a fascinating inner bouquet, the 2022 vintage is an absolute delight. The purity of the Sangiovese comes into its own, complemented by extremely appealing Brancaia notes." Vinous

"The Brancaia 2022 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione is a certified organic wine that reveals its soft and full-bodied character, with concentrated fruit aromas and notes of toasted oak, as well as a hint of cinnamon and nutmeg. On the finish, it captivates with an elegantly smooth texture and a hint of cherry sweetness." Wine Advocate

"A lively and complex wine with aromas of red and black cherries, pomegranates and redcurrants, as well as hints of white pepper, liquorice and bergamot. On the palate, it is smooth and opulent, with a medium to full body, refreshing acidity and ripe, velvety, extremely refined tannins. Precise, toasty notes and a very good, long finish of light tobacco." James Suckling