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Riserva
Brancaia

Riserva

Sale price$40.00
Vintage:

The Vineyard

The vineyards of Brancaia are located across three distinct sites in Tuscany: Brancaia (Castellina in Chianti), Poppi (Radda in Chianti), and Brancaia in Maremma. These vineyards span elevations from 560 to 1,640 feet (170 to 500 meters) above sea level, with varied exposures to optimize grape ripening. The Mediterranean climate is characterized by mild winters, hot, dry summers, and annual rainfall averaging approximately 35 inches (900 mm), primarily concentrated in spring and autumn.

The estate focuses on Sangiovese, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon, with site-specific vineyard management tailored to each location's soil composition and microclimate. Sustainable farming practices, including organic fertilization and manual harvesting, are employed across all vineyard sites.

Brancaia’s vineyards feature three principal soil types:

Galestro: A schist-based, rocky soil found in the Chianti Classico sites at 980-1,640 feet (300-500 m) altitude. Vines: Sangiovese, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon. This soil supports low-yielding vines, producing wines with firm tannins, bright acidity, and mineral complexity.

Clay-Limestone: A mix of clay and calcareous deposits located at 820-1,150 feet (250-350 m) altitude in both Chianti Classico and Maremma. Vines: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon. This soil type retains moisture, promoting slower ripening and resulting in wines with structure, depth, and softer tannins.

Sandy-Loam: Found in the Maremma vineyards at 560-820 feet (170-250 m) altitude. Vines: Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon. This well-draining soil produces wines with fresh fruit character, supple tannins, and moderate acidity.

Each vineyard site is managed individually, allowing Brancaia to produce wines that reflect the specific terroir, emphasizing varietal expression and structural balance.

The Winery

Brancaia is located in the Chianti Classico region of Tuscany, with additional vineyards in the Maremma area along the Tuscan coast. The estate was established in 1981 and spans approximately 200 acres (80 hectares) across three sites: Brancaia (Castellina in Chianti), Poppi (Radda in Chianti), and Brancaia in Maremma. Vineyard elevations range from 560 to 1,640 feet (170 to 500 meters) above sea level, with a primary focus on Sangiovese, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Brancaia employs a vineyard-specific approach, with sustainable practices including cover crops, organic fertilizers, and manual harvesting. Fermentation occurs in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks with a focus on maintaining varietal purity. The estate uses both large neutral oak casks and French oak barriques for aging, with barrel aging times varying by wine and typically lasting 12 to 20 months.

The winery is known for producing both Chianti Classico and Super Tuscan wines, including Brancaia Blu, a blend of Sangiovese, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Winemaking techniques include cold maceration for enhanced extraction, malolactic fermentation in stainless steel or oak, and regular bâtonnage for texture development. Brancaia continues to integrate modern technology with precise vineyard management to maintain consistency and quality across vintages.

Tuscany

Tuscany, Italy, is renowned for its Sangiovese-based wines, such as Chianti Classico and Brunello di Montalcino, as well as its international blends, coined “Super Tuscans”, which are made partially or entirely from Bordeaux varietals. The region’s diverse topography features rolling hills, valleys, and coastal areas, with soils ranging from clay and limestone-rich galestro to sandy and alluvial compositions. Tuscany’s traditions are partly shaped by Sangiovese, which can vary dramatically in structure and astringency and requiring more oxidation during winemaking, emphasizing a rustic savory style instead of fruit purity. Still, its younger regions like Bolgheri are focal points for modern influence.