Vintage 2021 Climate The winter began with a mild climate, characterized by above-average temperatures and abundant rainfall, which allowed the accumulation of excellent water reserves in the soil. Spring, and in particular the month of March, which was generally dry, allowed for optimal soil processing and favored an early budding of about 10 days, which began on April 6th. The sudden thermal heat on the night of April 8th caused a strong reduction in production without in any way affecting the future quality of the grapes. Flowering occurred late, during the last days of June, in conjunction with hot and sunny days. The summer, dry and with above-average temperatures, favored the complete and balanced ripening of the grapes. The harvest began on September 15th and ended on the 30th of the same month.
Vinification The grapes, harvested separately by variety, were destemmed and softly pressed and transferred to stainless steel tanks where the alcoholic fermentation took place at a controlled temperature of 25-28 °C. The maceration, which lasted for 7-10 days, was managed in a controlled manner with interventions aimed at enhancing the structure, extracting only the sweetest tannins. The wine obtained was transferred to large barrels, where the malolactic fermentation took place and where, from the spring following the harvest, the maturation process began, lasting approximately 12 months. Following bottling in spring 2023, the wine underwent further refinement in the bottle before being released onto the market in spring 2024. Historical data La Braccesca extends over 508 hectares where the ancient Bracci counts' farm once stood, from which the estate's name and its coat of arms derive: an arm covered in armor holding a sword. The total surface area of ??the vineyards is 340 hectares divided into two parts: the first, of 366 hectares of which 237 are planted with vineyards, is located on the border between the common path of Montepulciano and that of Cortona. The other plot, 142 hectares of which 103 are vineyards, extends up to Montepulciano between three of the most renowned sub-areas for the production of great red wines: Cervognano, Santa Pia and Gracciano. The first vintage of La Braccesca Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG was 1990. Tasting Notes La Braccesca Nobile di Montepulciano has a ruby ??red color with bright reflections. On the nose it shows notes of cherry, black cherry and nuances of blood orange accompanied by pleasant sensations of vanilla. On the palate it is energetic, with soft and velvety tannins. The finish is long and persistent, characterized by hints of blood orange and vanilla.