2019 Brancaia Chianti Classico Riserva
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The 2019 Chianti Classico Riserva is an organic blend of 80% Sangiovese and 20% Merlot. I can't say enough good things about Barbara Widmer and her winemaking efforts in this wild and forested corner of Radda in Chianti. Her wines always express clarity and focus, and this is especially clear in a mid-range product like this. This vintage offers more concentration and darkness for sure, followed by blackberry and wild plum. There is oaky cinnamon and sweet spice at the back. Some 37,000 bottles were made.
Critic scores
Jeb Dunnuck
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
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Coming from vineyards in both Castellina in Chianti and Radda, the 2019 Chianti Classico Riserva is Sangiovese with the addition of 20% Merlot, raised in French oak barrels for 16 months. A soft and expressive perfume lifts from the glass and reveals pure, ripe aromas of licorice, candied cherry, and lavender. The wine is medium to full-bodied, with crunchy red plum fruit, turned forest floor, and dried herbs. It cleans off the palate with freshness and has fine but coiled tannins. Drink 2025-2040. Brancaia is home to three estates for their wine label, two in the communes of Radda and Castellina in Chianti, and the third in Maremma. (My notes on the wines from Maremma can be found in my recent report covering Bolgheri and Super Tuscan releases.) Bruno and Brigitte Widmer purchased the first parcels in Castellina in 1981 and expanded to Radda in 1989. Across the range, they are producing high-quality wines with a polished style.
The 2019 Chianti Classico Riserva is a heady, boisterous wine. Super-ripe dark cherry, spice, blood orange, leather and sweet French oak give the 2019 its racy personality. This is an especially bold style that works quite well.