2022 Brancaia Chianti Classico DOCG, Tuscany

Brancaia Chianti Classico DOCG is a polished, contemporary expression of Sangiovese from one of Tuscany’s most respected modern estates. Situated in Castellina in Chianti, Brancaia was founded in the 1980s and quickly gained international acclaim for its sleek, terroir-driven wines that honour Tuscan tradition while embracing precision and clarity. This Chianti Classico is 100 percent Sangiovese, crafted to showcase purity of fruit, elegance and structure without the need for international blending grapes.

The grapes are hand-harvested from estate vineyards planted on limestone and galestro soils, fermented with indigenous yeasts in stainless steel and aged for about 12 months in large oak casks and concrete. There is no new oak, no overt winemaking tricks — just focus on fruit, texture and expression of site.

In the glass, it opens with aromas of sour cherry, red plum, violet, crushed herbs and subtle spice. The palate is medium bodied and silky, with lively acidity, fine tannins and flavours of cranberry, dried thyme, and a savoury earthiness that lingers through a clean, mineral finish. It’s a wine that leans into balance and drinkability without sacrificing complexity.

Food pairing: perfect with tagliatelle al ragù, grilled pork chops with rosemary, roast chicken, or aged pecorino. Also lovely with tomato-based pasta, pizza Margherita or charcuterie.

Cellar potential: drinking well now with a short decant but will age gracefully over the next 5 to 8 years, gaining more spice and savoury depth.