Antinori La Braccesca Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG 2019

Tuscany, a region renowned for its picturesque landscape. Gentle hills stretch out, covered in vineyards and olive groves. In the heart of Italy, some of the most internationally acclaimed wines flourish. The combination of a Mediterranean climate, ideal soils and centuries of tradition creates unique wines. Italian wines are famous for their diversity, elegance and ability to enhance culinary experiences. La Braccesca embodies these qualities in a special way.

History & Tradition

Antinori, a family with a long wine tradition, shapes this special red wine. The family history began with viticulture as early as the 14th century. Since 1990, Tenuta La Braccesca has belonged to this family business. The winery looks back on a medieval past. Once, the Counts of Bracci owned the estate. Their coat of arms, an arm with a sword, still adorns the logo today. Today, La Braccesca covers 508 hectares, of which 340 hectares are planted with vines.

Two central zones characterise the growing area. One lies on the border with Cortona, the other in the sought-after sub-zones of Cervognano, Santa Pia and Gracciano. Here, red wines of remarkable elegance and depth are created.

Terroir & Soil

Montepulciano benefits from a continental-Mediterranean microclimate. Warm days alternate with cool nights. These temperature fluctuations promote the ripening of the grapes. The soils are rich in skeleton and medium-heavy sandy soils – soils containing stones and sand. They store heat and release it slowly to the vines. This soil composition is crucial for quality. Sangiovese, the main grape variety, matures here into wines with excellent structure and fruit intensity. The combination of soil, climate and grape variety creates a unique character.

Grape Varieties & Vinification

This red wine is mainly based on the Sangiovese grape. Merlot complements the cuvée harmoniously. Sangiovese has been native to Tuscany for centuries and imparts structure, acidity and complex aromas to the wine. Merlot brings fullness, soft tannins and fruity notes. This combination is typical of many Tuscan red wines. The grapes are carefully harvested and gently processed. Barrique ageing gives the wine additional depth and complexity.

Aromas & Taste

In the glass, the wine presents a deep ruby red colour. The nose unfolds a complex spectrum of aromas. Ripe raspberries, plums and dark cherries dominate. Fine vanilla notes, a result of the barrique ageing, round off the picture. Subtle spicy notes of tobacco, leather and a slight minerality complement the bouquet. On the palate, the Vino Nobile shows its elegant side. Silky tannins, fresh acidity and a good balance characterise the taste. A medium to full body, enhanced by Merlot, provides a pleasant mouthfeel. The finish is long and multi-layered, with an echo of red fruits and a mineral note.

Vintage 2019

The 2019 vintage was exceptionally favourable for red wines in Tuscany. Ideal weather conditions ensured a slow, even ripening of the grapes. Good acidity and concentrated aromas were the result. In Montepulciano, this led to wines with intense colour and fruity character. The Antinori La Braccesca 2019 benefits from these conditions. It is already enjoyable now, but will also gain in complexity over the years.

Quality & Classification

This Sangiovese, Merlot carries the designation DOCG – Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita, a controlled and guaranteed designation of origin. It is the highest quality level in Italian viticulture. Strict origin and production regulations must be met. At least 70 percent Sangiovese is required. Cultivation and vinification must take place in the approved zones of Montepulciano. A minimum of two years of ageing, including at least one year in oak barrels, is also required. The DOCG classification guarantees quality and authenticity.

Enjoyment & Food Pairing

This elegant red wine is a versatile companion for numerous dishes. It goes particularly well with dark meat. Wild boar ragout, venison loin or lamb chops are ideal partners. It also reveals its full potential with matured cheese, such as Pecorino toscano or Parmigiano Reggiano. Mediterranean cuisine, such as pasta with ragù or truffle risotto, perfectly complements the aromas. For a special occasion, a romantic dinner or a festive meal, this Vino Nobile is an excellent choice.

Presentation

The 0.75 l wine bottle embodies tradition and modernity. A black label with golden accents catches the eye. A golden line frames the label. The brand name “LA BRACCESCA” is written on it in white lettering. The stylised coat of arms of the Counts of Bracci adorns the label. It symbolises the historical connection of the winery. Below the name is “VINO NOBILE DI MONTEPULCIANO DOCG TOSCANA”. This communicates origin, grape variety and quality level. A narrow, black label with the logo in gold is located on the bottle neck, underlining the noble character.

Price & Availability

With a price of around £20, the Antinori La Braccesca offers excellent value for money. For a wine of this quality and origin, it is very attractive. It is available in well-stocked wine shops and online. Availability may vary depending on the region.

Conclusion

Antinori La Braccesca Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG 2019 is an outstanding wine. It combines tradition, terroir and modern winemaking. The elegant fruit, the silky tannins and the complex aromas make it a pleasure. This Vino Nobile is an expression of Tuscany. A wine for special moments and lovers of high-quality wines, which inspires with harmony and depth.