“Il Blu” Rosso Toscana IGT 2022 (BIO) · MAGNUM in OWC

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

09322522 · 1,5 l · 132,67 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shipping5 units available

It was in 1988 that Bruno and Brigitte Widmer dared to dream a bold dream that would change the world of Tuscan wine forever. Their Il Blu – named after the timeless blue label with its orange capsule – became an icon for an entire generation of Super Tuscans, a manifesto of modernity amidst centuries-old traditions. Today, after more than three decades of refinement, the certified organic Il Blu 2022 embodies Barbara Widmer's visionary continuity. What once began as a Sangiovese-dominated blend has evolved, thanks to the ever-increasing complexity of the Merlot vines from Radda – now over thirty years old – into a blend comprising 80% Merlot, with 10% each of Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Only the finest, hand-picked grapes for this exceptional wine come from the two Chianti estates in Castellina and Radda. The clay and galestro soils, situated at altitudes of 230 to 400 metres and characterised by a continental climate with hot summers and cold winters, lend the grapes their distinctive intensity. The winemaking process follows a ritual of precision: Each plot and each grape variety is aged separately for 18 months in French barriques – two-thirds new and one-third used barrels. Only then does the final blend take place, followed by three months of refinement in uncoated concrete tanks and at least one year of bottle ageing.

In the glass, a ruby-red medley of beguiling complexity unfolds: aromas of blackcurrants and violets, enveloped in cocoa and wild berries. On the palate, the true greatness of this wine becomes apparent: full-bodied and rich, with ultra-fine, creamy tannins of aristocratic elegance. The finish is long and sweet, carried by sweet currants and the characteristic hint of menthol from the Tuscan macchia. Il Blu 2022 is and remains a timeless classic that already enchants today, yet will only reveal its true potential in the decades to come. SUPERIORE.DE

"A deep, dark ruby red with purplish highlights. A delicate yet expressive bouquet: plenty of cassis and dark berries, sweet paprika, chocolate praline and mocha; multi-layered. On the palate, a fine balance between tension and precision, with a consistently elegant, lingering finish." Falstaff

"This red displays vanilla, blackberry, tar, iron and floral flavors backed by a layer of dense tannins. Fresh and long on the finish, which shows oak spice notes. Well put together. Merlot, Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon." Wine Spectator

"The 2022 Il Blu, Brancaia's flagship wine from the Radda estate, is superb. Rich red fruit, blood orange, spices, menthol and mocha are all in full swing. The 2022 is perhaps slightly less structured than some of the recent vintages. However, it will drink well after a few years' ageing, once that youthful fat has mellowed out." Vinous

"A serious wine, yet with a certain lightness – in a positive sense. Outstanding aromas of cherries and dark fruits, a juicy palate, medium body, crisp acidity and a firm yet crisp finish." James Suckling

"The 2021 Il Blu is a blend of predominantly Merlot with smaller proportions of Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon. This top-quality wine has a medium to full body with sweet notes of black fruits, cigar box and dark-crumbed toasted bread. On the palate, the wine unfolds fully thanks to its soft texture and tannins." Wine Advocate