Chianti Classico Riserva Brancaia 2021

The Chianti Classico Riserva by Brancaia is configured as an elegant and deep interpretation produced with the best Sangiovese grapes cultivated by the estate, to which a smaller percentage of Merlot is added, a variety that brings body and softness. This label, released for the first time with the 1982 vintage, is made in the estates of Castellina in Chianti and Radda in Chianti, historic municipalities of the Gallo Nero.

Brancaia Chianti Classico Riserva originates from a blend of Sangiovese (80%) and Merlot (20%), varieties grown on medium-textured soils rich in skeleton, between 230 and 400 meters above sea level. The rows, exposed to the south and southwest, benefit from the characteristic continental climate with cold winters and hot summers. Once the grapes have reached their respective optimal ripeness, manual harvesting is carried out, followed by alcoholic fermentation in stainless steel tanks, separated for the two varieties, with about 20 days of maceration on the skins. Subsequently, the mass of Sangiovese matures in tonneau while the Merlot ages in barrique, all for a period of 16 months that precedes the blending and the further resting of 8 months in the bottle.

In the glass, the Chianti Classico Riserva Brancaia displays an intense and bright ruby red cloak. Vivid and complex is the olfactory range, defined by aromas of red fruits, wildflowers, aromatic herbs, tilled earth, and tar that meet seductive perceptions of leather and vanilla. Intense, soft, and elegant taste development, with sweet and ripe tannins that lead to a fresh and flavorful epilogue. A Chianti Classico endowed with exceptional longevity, which needs to be paired with dishes of a certain structure such as rich preparations based on red meat or game.