La Braccesca
Climate
The winter of the growing season, mild in temperature and characterized by frequent rainfall, preceded a spring with above average temperatures, which favored a precocious bud-break, ten days earlier than usual in both grapes varieties. The summer, tendentially warm and dry but without peak temperatures, assisted the vines in a slow and gradual growth, guaranteeing an excellent start to the ripening process. The harvest began with the Merlot in early September and terminated with the Sangiovese around mid-October.
Vinification
The Sangiovese grapes underwent a fermentation aimed at conservation of the aromas and freshness of the fruit. After approximately ten days of maceration on the skins during the fermentation, the wine went into large oak casks where it went through a complete malolactic fermentation and began an aging period which lasted twelve months. After bottling, which took place in the spring of 2017, the wine was given an additional twelve months period of aging before commercial release.
Historical Data
La Braccesca extends over a total surface area of 1270 acres (508 hectares) once the property by the Bracci counts, who gave both their name and their coat of arms – an armoured arm holding an upright sword - to the estate. The total vineyard surface amounts to 850 acres (340 hectares) and is divided into two different blocks. The first, with 592 acres (237 hectares) of vineyards, is located on the boundary line between the two townships of Montepulciano and neighboring Cortona. The other block, 355 total acres of which 257 (104 hectares) are planted to vines, extends all the way to the city of Montepulciano itself and takes in three historic sub-zones for the production of outstanding red wine: Cervognano, Santa Pia, and Gracciano. The first vintage of the La Braccesca Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG was produced in 1990.
Tasting Notes
An intense ruby red in color, the wine offers fruity aromas with notes of violets and vanilla. The palate is ripe, supple, balanced and with tannins supported by a pleasurable vein of acidity, which brings out the flavors of blackberries and cherries. Persistent and mineral on the finish and aftertaste.
Awards
Wine Advocate 90/100 USA Wine Enthusiast 91/100 USA Wine Spectator 92/100 USA
The Wine
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is a blend of traditional Sangiovese with a small percentage of Merlot from the best sub-zones of the DOCG appellation. Vino Nobile has a distinctive, balanced and elegant character.
Climate
The winter of the growing season, mild in temperature and characterized by frequent rainfall, preceded a spring with above average temperatures, which favored a precocious bud-break, ten days earlier than usual in both grapes varieties. The summer, tendentially warm and dry but without peak temperatures, assisted the vines in a slow and gradual growth, guaranteeing an excellent start to the ripening process. The harvest began with the Merlot in early September and terminated with the Sangiovese around mid-October.
Vinification
The Sangiovese grapes underwent a fermentation aimed at conservation of the aromas and freshness of the fruit. After approximately ten days of maceration on the skins during the fermentation, the wine went into large oak casks where it went through a complete malolactic fermentation and began an aging period which lasted twelve months. After bottling, which took place in the spring of 2017, the wine was given an additional twelve months period of aging before commercial release.
Historical Data
La Braccesca extends over a total surface area of 1270 acres (508 hectares) once the property by the Bracci counts, who gave both their name and their coat of arms – an armoured arm holding an upright sword - to the estate. The total vineyard surface amounts to 850 acres (340 hectares) and is divided into two different blocks. The first, with 592 acres (237 hectares) of vineyards, is located on the boundary line between the two townships of Montepulciano and neighboring Cortona. The other block, 355 total acres of which 257 (104 hectares) are planted to vines, extends all the way to the city of Montepulciano itself and takes in three historic sub-zones for the production of outstanding red wine: Cervognano, Santa Pia, and Gracciano. The first vintage of the La Braccesca Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG was produced in 1990.
Tasting Notes
An intense ruby red in color, the wine offers fruity aromas with notes of violets and vanilla. The palate is ripe, supple, balanced and with tannins supported by a pleasurable vein of acidity, which brings out the flavors of blackberries and cherries. Persistent and mineral on the finish and aftertaste.
Awards
Wine Advocate 90/100 USA Wine Enthusiast 91/100 USA Wine Spectator 92/100 USA
Tenuta La Braccesca
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 acquired the estate in 1990. The property extends over an area of 508 hectares (1255 acres) and the vineyards cover an area of 340 hectares (840 acres) divided into two blocks: the first is 366 hectares (904 acres) of which 237 (585 acres) are planted with vineyards and is located on the border between the cities of Montepulciano and Cortona. The other block is 142 hectares (350 acres) of which 103 (254 acres) are planted with vineyards, it extends all the way to Montepulciano encompassing three of the most famous parcels of land known for the production of great red wines: Cervognano, Santa Pia and Gracciano.
Soil
Sandy loam rich in very fine gravel.
Antinori Estates
Estates in Italy
