The Brancaia Chianti Classico Riserva is made from Sangiovese grapes from the Brancaia winery in Castellina and Poppi in Radda. There is also about 20% Merlot, which rounds off the wine smoothly. The whole thing is aged for 16 months in French barriques (225L) and tonneaux (500L), half of which are new for each vintage. After a few more months in the bottle, it is released for sale. The Riserva is a classic of the Brancaia range, it's been produced since the 1982 vintage.
The 2018 vintage of the Chianti Classico Riserva Brancaia has notes of black berries, herbs, vanilla, cherries and leather on the nose. The medium to full body does not lack elegance and freshness, the wine is structured and intense until the long finish. The wood makes it aromatic and integrates well. An excellent Chianti Classico. This vintage comes from the multi-year conversion phase to organic cultivation. From the 2019 vintage, this wine is officially certified organic.
Falstaff magazine awards 93/100 and writes: "Bright ruby red. Fine, sweet and clear fruit on the nose, with a delicately spicy undertone, heart cherry, plum, reminiscent of malt in the aftertaste with noble wood spice Balanced on the palate, with fine elegance, stretches red berries over the tongue, also has pressure, the aftertaste is tasty."
James Suckling even adds a point: 94/100.
What we would serve it with: bistecca fiorentina, lamb, casseroles, stews and pasta with mushroom sauce.
Click here for the Brancaia winemaker portrait with all available wines.
| Optimal drinking: |
now to 2032 |
| Analysis Data: |
13.5% alc., less than 2.0 g/l residual sugar, 5.8 g/l acidity |
| Ageing: |
16 months in barriques and tonneaux, 50% new wood |
| Grapes: |
80% Sangiovese & 20% Merlot |
| Ratings: |
93/100 Falstaff, 94/100 J. Suckling (both vintage 2018) |
| Closure: |
Cork |
| Type: |
dry red wine |
Distributor: Brancaia S.a.r.l. Località Poppi 53017 Radda in Chianti
Product from Italy - contains sulphites.
