La Braccesca Achelo, Cortona 2022
Complex, pepper-and-tobacco nose, with a full, supple texture, and plum/blackberry fruit, as well as the typical spicy, herbal finish of Tuscany.
The stony foothills around the town of Cortona have proved ideally suited to international red varieties, and Syrah in particular.
The grapes were destemmed and underwent cool pre-fermentation maceration. Fermentation took place in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks at 28°C. After ten days, seventy percent of the wine was transferred to barriques to complete malolactic fermentation, while the rest was kept in tank. The final blend was bottled early in the new year.
| RRP | £23.50 |
| Vintage | 2022 |
| Alcoholic strength | 13.5% |
| Country | Italy |
| Region | Tuscany |
| Subregion | Cortona DOC |
| Grapes | Syrah 100% |
| Body | D |
| Contains sulphites | Yes |
| Vegetarian | No |
| Vegan | No |
| Organic | No |
| Biodynamic | No |
| Closure | Cork |
La Braccesca estate’s property extends over an area of 508 hectares, of which 334 hectares are planted with vines. Two very different personalities live side by side in complete harmony: the traditional Nobile di Montepulciano and the innovative Syrah in Cortona, an emerging wine producing area with great potential.
The estate’s name comes from the historical farm that once stood there, owned by the Count of Bracci, whose coat of arms appears on the estate’s logo; an arm covered with armor brandishing a sword. Marchesi Antinori has owned the estate since 1990.
The vineyards are divided into two main blocks; the first is 237 hectares and is located on the border between the cities of Montepulciano and Cortona, the other is comprised of 103 hectares that extend all the way to Montepulciano encompassing three of the best known parcels for producing great red wines: Cervognano, Santa Pia and Gracciano.
