Antinori - La Braccesca : Bramasole 2018

A powerful and delicious Tuscan wine for ageing

The estate

The estate is located on the lands of the Comtes de Bracci in Tuscany. The name La Braccesca is taken from ancestors and from its emblem : an arm with a sword. The Antinori family bought the estate in 1990. The 237 hectares allow the production of wines in the Nobile di Montepulciano and Cortona appellations, made with different grape varieties such as Syrah, Prugnolo Gentile and Sangiovese.

The wine

Antinori - La Braccesca: Bramasole is a Tuscan wine made from the Syrah grape variety. It is made from the sunniest and highest quality plots of the vineyard within the Cortona appellation. This wine for ageing reflects the terroir and traditional know-how even though Syrah is not an indigenous grape variety of this region. It was in 2000 that this emblematic Bramasole saw its first vintage.

The vintage

Winter 2018 was harsh and rainy in Tuscany. The spring, on the other hand, allowed for early budburst and flowering thanks to its warm temperatures. The fruit set took place a week earlier, following the showers that fell in mid-June. The very dry summer allowed the grapes to ripen well. The differences in daytime and night-time temperatures developed the maturity of the grapes. The harvest began on 21 September.

Winemaking and ageing

After de-stemming, the must was gently crushed and then fermented at a temperature of 28 degrees. A 15-day maceration with the skins extracted the scents and softened the tannins. The wine then underwent malolactic fermentation in new and one-wine French oak barrels. This wine was left in wood for 18 months before bottling in spring 2020.

Blend

Syrah 100%

Characteristics and tasting tips for Antinori - La Braccesca : Bramasole 2018

Tasting

Colour
This wine has a deep ruby colour.

Nose
The nose gives off fruity scents of cherries, plums and spices like pepper.

Palate
Bramasole is a powerful, full and balanced wine with velvety tannins enhanced with a lovely freshness. This wine has a lasting length on the palate which finishes with vanilla notes.

Food and wine pairing

This characterful red wine goes perfectly with meats in sauce.

To serve

For the best tasting, serve between 16 and 18°C.

Storage

Antinori - La Braccesca: Bramasole 2018 can be laid down for at least 10 years.