2022 La Braccesca Achelo Syrah Cortona

The estate takes its name from the historic farmhouse that once stood there, owned by the Count of Bracci, whose coat of arms appears on the estate’s logo; an arm covered in armor brandishing a sword. Marchesi Antinori acquired the estate in 1990 and La Braccesca now belongs to the Antinori group.

The estate extends over an area of ​​508 hectares (1255 acres) and the vineyards cover an area of ​​340 hectares (840 acres) divided into two blocks: the first is 366 hectares (904 acres) of which 237 (585 acres) are planted with vineyards and is located on the border between the towns of Montepulciano and Cortona. The other block is 142 hectares (350 acres), of which 103 (254 acres) are planted with vineyards, it extends all the way to Montepulciano and includes three of the most famous plots known for the production of great red wines: Cervognano, Santa Pia and Graciano.

The Syrah grapes are destemmed and gently crushed. The must is transferred to stainless steel tanks where cold maceration is carried out to enhance the fruity notes. Fermentation takes place at temperatures not exceeding 25°C for a period of approximately 10 days. 70% of the wine is then transferred in parts to French oak barriques, where malolactic fermentation takes place. The remaining 30% is transferred to stainless steel vats.

Achelo has an intense ruby-purple colour. On the nose, seductive aromas of red and black fruits merge with spicy hints of vanilla and characteristic notes of black pepper. The taste is sweet and pleasant with a pleasant persistence that emphasizes the fruity aftertaste, rich in aromas of dark fruits; blackcurrants, blackberry jam with light hints of vanilla. Delicious with spiced stews, hare and wild boar.