2024 Brancaia Chianti Classico DOCG, Tuscany

Fresh, leafy aromas of red cherries, herbs and a hint of earth. Light-bodied, crisp and tense, with tight chalky tannins and a bony finish that’s balanced and refreshing. Drink now.

92 points James Suckling

Brancaia has been one of the modern success stories of Chianti Classico since Swiss couple Brigitte and Bruno Widmer purchased their Castellina estate in 1981. Their daughter Barbara Widmer now leads the winemaking, and while Brancaia became famous for polished Super Tuscans such as Il Blu, Sangiovese remains central to the estate. The Chianti Classico captures the brighter, more immediately drinkable side of the house without losing the savoury Tuscan character we want from the region.

The estate works vineyards in Castellina and Radda, where altitude, cooling breezes and the classic limestone rich soils of Chianti help Sangiovese retain freshness as it ripens. The 2024 has an appealing combination of fragrant fruit and lively acidity, with enough tannin underneath to provide shape without making the wine hard work at the table.

Bright ruby crimson, the bouquet leads with Morello cherry, wild strawberry and redcurrant, followed by violet, blood orange and dried oregano. Fennel seed, black tea and a little terracotta add savoury detail. The palate is juicy and energetic, with cherry and red plum carried by bright acidity and fine, gently dusty tannins. Orange peel, dried herbs and anise build through the middle before a fresh, savoury finish.

At the table, pork and fennel meatballs with tomato sugo would be terrific, alongside eggplant parmigiana, chargrilled lamb skewers with rosemary, porcini arancini or pizza topped with spicy salami and roasted capsicum. Our pick is the eggplant parmigiana. Tomato, melted cheese and caramelised eggplant alongside Sangiovese’s cherry and acidity is simple, glorious stuff.

Cellaring: Drink now to 2033.