# Brancaia Chianti Classico Gran Selezione (2020)

- **Producer:** Casa Brancaia
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Sangiovese
- **Region:** Toscana, Italy
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 14.0%
- **Average price:** €75
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 18–20 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** red cherry, black cherry, red plum, black plum, violet, vanilla, cedar, cloves, leather, dried fruit, tobacco, earth

## About this wine

The Brancaia Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2020 is a 100% Sangiovese wine from Casa Brancaia, a producer founded by Brigitte and Bruno Widmer in 1981. This wine originates from a single vineyard, 'VIGNA 10', in Castellina in Chianti, Tuscany, utilizing specific Sangiovese clones developed through the 'Chianti Classico 2000' project. The vineyard is situated at an elevation of 230 meters with a south-southwest exposure. The 2020 vintage is noted for its balance and vitality.

## Interesting facts

- Sourced exclusively from a single vineyard, 'VIGNA 10'.
- Uses five Sangiovese clones from the 'Chianti Classico 2000' project.
- The vineyard is at 230 meters elevation.
- The Widmers pursued winemaking professionally after discovering the estate.

## Food pairing

The wine's structure and tannins complement the richness of red meats and game, while its vibrant acidity cuts through fattier dishes. Herbal notes in the wine can echo those in seasoned dishes, and its complexity can stand up to robust flavors.

## Wine making process

The Brancaia Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2020 is produced using 100% Sangiovese grapes harvested manually and sorted. The must is gravity-fed into temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks for fermentation, which utilizes wild yeasts and involves cap punching down. The wine is aged for 18 months in French oak tonneaux, followed by 3 months in concrete tanks. It then undergoes at least 12 months of bottle aging before release. Organic farming methods are employed in the vineyard.