La Braccesca Vino Nobile di Montepulciano 2021
A lifted, vibrant aroma of vanilla and ripe fruit, with firm structure and good length, showing the extra richness of Vino Nobile over Chianti, as well as degree of warm spice and mineral complexity.
Antinori first bought land on the Tenuta Braccesca estate in 1990, situated in southeast Tuscany, between the towns of Montepulciano and Cortona. The former is known for the Sangiovese that ripens into rich Vino Nobile, while the latter is home to Italy’s best Syrah.
The Braccesca vineyards cover 256 hectares: 154 between Cortona and Montepulciano, 280-300 metres above sea level, with a clay-silt soil; and 102 hectares in the classic heartland of Vino Nobile, on a stony red clay soil.
Following destemming and soft crushing, the grapes underwent maceration with fermentation that lasted for ten days. The wine was then racked into large oak casks where the malolactic fermentation took place, followed by twelve months’ ageing.
| RRP | £29.50 |
| Vintage | 2021 |
| Alcoholic strength | 14.5% |
| Country | Italy |
| Region | Tuscany |
| Subregion | Vino Nobile di Montepulciano |
| Grapes | Prugnolo Gentile 90%, Merlot 10% |
| 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.
