Province of Siena
Established: 1981
Owners: Widmer family
Winemaker: Barbara Widmer
Production: 700,000 bottles
Hectares under vine: 40 in Chianti Classico and 40 in Maremma
Viticulture: Conventional
Swiss couple Brigitte and Bruno Widmer, with daughter Barbara, run this property better than clockwork and, in two decades, have firmly established Brancaia as one of Tuscany’s leading estates. The vineyards at Poppi (Radda) and Brancaia (Castellina) are on ideal hillside locations at 230-400 metres above sea level, planted to 6000 vines per hectare on lean, stony, calcareous soil to naturally produce a low yield.
Chianti Classico Riserva, made with a little Merlot, is a shining example of the modern style that rewards cellaring. SuperTuscan Il Blu made its debut with the 1988 vintage and has since garnered twelve Gambero Rosso Tre Bicchieri. A blend of 50% Sangiovese, 45% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, aged 20 months in French barrique, Il Blu is jam-packed with rich, ripe powerful fruit that is beautifully balanced with freshness and elegance. It drinks well in its youth, but has the structure to age gracefully over 20 years in the best vintages.
