Il Blu 2015

BRANCAIA

Il Blu
2015

  • Organic
  • Vegan
Country
Italy
Regulated designation
Indicazione geographica tipica (IGT)
Region
Tuscany
Appellation
Toscana
Varietal(s)
Sangiovese 50 %
Merlot 45 %
Cabernet Sauvignon 5 %
Alcohol percentage
14.5%
Colour
Red
Producer's website

About this winery

It was in 1981, when the Swiss couple Brigitte and Bruno Widmer fell in love with each other and purchased the (at the time) abandoned Brancaia estate, Castellina in Chianti. Only two years later, Brancaia made the first rank in an important Chianti Classico tasting and then rapidly gained international recognition. This lead to a continuous extension of the activities resulting in purchasing the Poppi estate (Radda in Chianti) in 1989, followed in 1998 by the founding of Brancaia in Maremma,...

See the BRANCAIA detail page for more information on this brand

Tasting notes

Brancaia IL BLU, IGT Rosso Toscana - the top product of BRANCAIA. This wine is intended to demonstrate the elegance, complexity and intensity that BRANCAIA is now capable of achieving. Many wine lovers around the world already consider it a classic - perhaps because it has established a distinctive identity throughout all its vintages, reflecting the character and quality of our vineyards in the Chianti Classico.

Pair with dishes with strong flavour, dark meat such as beef or lamb. Game - fried or stewed - dark wild fowl.

Press reviews

James Suckling

- 97 points -

(Vintage 2018)

Beautiful aromas of currants and mushrooms with bark and flowers. Violets and chocolate, too. It’s full-bodied with firm, creamy tannins that are long and poised. It has such attractive tension and focus. Lovely sweet currants and berries at the finish. So succulent and intense. 80% merlot, 10% cabernet sauvignon and 10% sangiovese. The merlot is from the area of Radda and the cabernet and sangiovese from Castelina in Chianti. Drink or hold.

See detailed press review
Vinous

- 95 points -

Antonio Galloni, (Vintage 2018)

Brancaia's 2018 Il Blu is stellar. Dark, layered and enveloping, the 2018 is wonderfully expressive from the outset. Black cherry, mocha, espresso, licorice, cloves and new leather fill out the layers effortlessly. The 2018 balances power with energy, all with plenty of the style that has long made this Merlot-based blend one of the top wines in Tuscany.

See detailed press review
Wine Spectator

- 95 points -

Bruce Sanderson, October 2023

Shows a resinous note from the oak that envelops ripe black cherry, plum, leather, mineral and tobacco flavors. This red just keeps building in intensity and fruit on the palate, ending with a succulent, fruit- and spice-infused aftertaste. Merlot, Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon. Best from 2025 through 2040. 3,500 cases made, 495 cases imported.

See detailed press review
Robert Parker

- 94 points -

Monica Larner, September 2021

This is an organic blend of 80% Merlot, 10% Sangiovese and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon that enjoys near iconic status here in Tuscany. Thanks to its long track record, you can count on this Tuscan blended red to deliver top quality. The Brancaia 2020 Il Blu is a full-bodied red with sweet fruit flavors and a rich, velvety texture. This release of 42,000 bottles will come to market in fall 2023.

See detailed press review
Decanter

- 91 points -

Susan Hulme & Andrea Briccarello , (Vintage 2018)

Charming and attractive nose with plenty of ripe plums, dark cherries and fresh herbal nuance. Firm structure and savoury finish.

Drinking Window 2021 - 2028

See detailed press review