“Il Blu” Rosso Toscana IGT 2022 (BIO)

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

09322322 · 0,75 l · 105,33 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shipping< 24 units available

It was 1988 when Bruno and Brigitte Widmer ventured a bold dream that would change the Tuscan wine world forever. Their Il Blu – named after the timeless blue label with orange capsule – became the icon of an entire generation of Supertuscans, a manifesto of modernity in the midst of centuries-old traditions. Today, after more than three decades of perfection, the organically certified Il Blu 2022 epitomises Barbara Widmer's visionary continuity. What once began as a Sangiovese-dominated cuvée has developed into an 80% Merlot blend with 10% each of Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon thanks to the ever-growing complexity of the Merlot vines from Radda, now over thirty years old. 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 at an altitude of 230 to 400 metres, characterised by a continental climate with hot summers and cold winters, give the grapes their characteristic intensity. The vinification follows a ritual of precision: each parcel, each grape variety matures individually for 18 months in French barriques – two thirds new, one third used barrels. Only then is the final blend made, followed by three months of refinement in uncoated concrete tanks and at least one year of ageing in the bottle.

A ruby-red potpourri of beguiling complexity unfolds in the glass: aromas of blackcurrants and violets, enveloped in cocoa and wild berries. The palate reveals the true greatness of this wine: full-bodied and rich, with ultra-fine, creamy tannins of aristocratic elegance. The finish is long and sweet, carried by sweet redcurrants and the characteristic mentholated hint of the Tuscan maquis. Il Blu 2022 is and remains a timeless classic that is already enchanting today, but will only realise its true potential in the decades to come. SUPERIORE.DE

"Deep dark ruby red with purple reflections. Delicate yet expressive bouquet: lots of cassis and dark berries, sweet paprika powder, chocolate praline and mocha, multi-layered. A fine balance between tension and precision on the palate, with an elegant, persistent finish." Falstaff

"The 2022 Il Blu, Brancaia's top wine from the Radda estate, is magnificent. Vibrant red fruit, blood orange, spice, menthol and mocha are all turned up. The 2022 is perhaps slightly less structured than some of the previous vintages. But it will drink well with a few years of cellaring once the baby fat has melted away." Vinous

"A serious wine but with some lightness in a positive way. Lifted aromas of cherries and dark fruit, with a juicy palate, a medium body, crisp acidity and a tight yet crunchy finish." James Suckling

"The 2021 Il Blu is a blend of mostly Merlot with smaller percentages of Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon. This top-shelf release shows a medium to full-bodied texture with sweet tones of black fruit, cigar box and dark-grained toasted bread. The wine expands fully over the palate thanks to its soft texture and tannins." Wine Advocate