“Ilatraia” Rosso Toscana IGT 2020 (BIO) · MAGNUM in OWC

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

09322620 · 1,5 l · 99,33 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shipping3 units available

In 1998, Brancaia moved to the Maremma. It was no mere whim, but a conscious decision: this coastal landscape north of Grosseto, with its sandy loam soils, Mediterranean climate and the salty breeze from the Tyrrhenian Sea, was a terroir that would respond in its own way – if the right grape varieties were planted. Ilatraia’s answer is clear: three Bordeaux varieties, no artificial irrigation; roots reaching deep into the sandy subsoil. At altitudes of 75 to 175 metres, facing west to south-west, on soil comprising two-thirds sand and one-third silt and clay. The Mediterranean climate is uncompromising: very hot summers, mild winters, and a marked temperature range between day and night. What ripens here does so without assistance – and you can taste it.

2020 was hot and concentrated. Equal parts Petit Verdot and Cabernet Sauvignon, with Cabernet Franc providing aromatic depth. Aged for 18 months in French barriques, half of which were new. A deep, luminous ruby red. The bouquet is intense and dark: black fruits, cassis, spices and a hint of leather. Full-bodied and well-structured on the palate, with silky tannins and a long, warm final. Maremma in its purest form. SUPERIORE.DE

"Deep purple, almost impenetrable. Intriguing, dense on the nose, with ripe plums, red pepper, herbs, chocolate, cigar box and a subtle meatiness. On the palate, plenty of blackberry; well-structured without being overpowering; a lively acidity; ripe tannins; a lingering, elegant final." Falstaff

"The nose is intensely spicy and warm, with chilli pepper, and highlights a meaty umami quality. However, cherries, blackberries and chocolate on the palate give way once again to peppery notes – ranging from freshly cracked black peppercorns to chillies – in a spicy finish." Wine Enthusiast

"The Ilatraia 2020 is a full-bodied red wine that will need at least a couple of years in the bottle to mellow. Waves of tannins envelop a core of black fruit, chocolate, new leather, liquorice, incense and lavender. Ilatraia is a wine with substance and power, but it is not as approachable as most wines from the Tuscan coast. I suspect that the high proportion of Petit Verdot in the blend has a lot to do with this. This is a magnificent achievement, especially for a vintage that has generally produced lighter wines along the coast." Vinous

"The 2020 Brancaia Ilatraia has a deep, dark colour with intense notes of black and purple fruit. This beautiful vineyard is nestled amidst the dense woods of Radda in Chianti, one of the wildest corners of the appellation. This vintage is slightly more approachable in terms of mouthfeel, but it still delivers plenty of spice, grilled herbs and black pepper." Wine Advocate

"A very pure and appealing fruit profile featuring blackberries and blueberries, with undertones of crushed violets, dark chocolate and savoury herbs. There are also hints of citrus peel and wet stones. Full-bodied with supremely fine tannins and crisp acidity, which lends the fruit tension and energy. So polished and silky. Very long." James Suckling