Brancaia

The Brancaia winery in Castellina, in the heart of the Chianti Classico region, is one of the top producers in Tuscany.

Brancaia - Just a holiday home?

In 1981, the Swiss couple Brigitte and Bruno Widmer fell in love with the estate and it was not long before they decided to purchase the property, which was then abandoned. Originally it was only intended as a holiday home and the vineyards were to be sold. But Brigitte and Bruno Widmer let themselves be infected by the passion of wine growing, threw the plans overboard and finally took a professional approach to winegrowing. This decision was a very courageous one, because at that time the reputation of the Chianti area was not exactly at its best. As early as 1983, the Widmer couple managed to take first place with their Chianti Classico at a major tasting event. Their wines are now repeatedly at the top of the list at tastings and are praised by critics from all over the world.

Expansion with concentrated competence at Brancaia winery

The rapid initial success was followed by a steady expansion of activities. In 1989 Brigitte and Bruno Widmer acquired the Poppi winery in Rada. And nine years later another branch was established in the Maremma region. Since 1998 Barbara Cronenberg-Widmer has been shaping the style of the estate. She studied oenology and is the daughter of the owners. The experienced winemaker is advised by the outstanding oenologist Carlo Ferrini.

Gentle processing and soft character - Brancaia Wines

The elegant plants, which are characterised by a soft and warm character, are matured in two wine cellars built according to the most modern principles. The layout of the buildings and the technical equipment allow for a high quality of the grapes and a careful and gentle processing. All wines are matured in French barriques and tonneaux for a minimum of twelve and a maximum of 20 months. Nevertheless, there is no need to worry about dominant wood in Brancaia wines. Sangiovese is still very important in Casa Brancaia. It is dominant in the Chianti Classico Riserva, for example, but also plays a major role in "Il Blu" and the base wine "Il Tre", consisting of Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. 

And these are the grape varities of Brancaia winery:

• Sangiovese
• Merlot
• Cabernet Sauvignon
• Cabernet Franc
• Nielluicio
• Prugnolo Gentille
• Brunello
• Viognier
• Petit Verdot