Brancaia "Ilatraia" Toscana IGT 2021
(Tuscany, Italy) - [JS 96] [WA 94] [VM 94] [WE 94] [WS 93]

Notes from the Winemaker:
The Ilatraia is our top wine from the Maremma – it is full-bodied and impresses with its freshness, precision and elegance. This wine shows a perfect balance between maturity and finesse. It is extremely silky and polished with supple tannins that are typical of the Tuscan coast. The blend of 40% Petit Verdot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Cabernet Franc shows the full beauty of this terroir. This is not least because the three grape varieties can ripen perfectly without irrigation. Ilatraia is aged in half new French barriques for 18 months and then matures in the bottle for at least one year.

The 2021 harvest was not only an excellent year in Maremma, but also marks the 20th anniversary of Brancaia's "Ilatraia" wine.

A wine of great structure, freshness and elegance. It shows a perfect balance between maturity and refinement. Our premium wine from the Maremma area is extremely velvety with pleasant tannins, typical of the wines of the Tuscan coast.

Blend: 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Petit Verdot, 20% Cabernet Franc

Ratings & Reviews

96 Points - James Suckling:
"Aromas of blackcurrants, iodine and oyster shells come through nicely, with graphite as well. Medium- to full-bodied and creamy, with a fine, velvety texture to the tannins and a vivid finish. Caressing at the end. Drink from 2027." (Apr 2024)

94 Points - Wine Advocate:
"The Brancaia 2021 Ilatraia is an organic blend of Petit Verdot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. I like the restyled front label design presented with this vintage. This is a bold and generous wine with sweet fruit, blackberry preserves, baking spice and hints of pipe tobacco. The Ilatraia hits the palate with power, but the tannins are softly integrated for a full-bodied but velvety close." - Monica Larner (Jul 2024)

94 Points - Vinous Media:
"The 2021 Ilatraia, Brancaia's flagship Maremma red, is a fine example of the appellation. Black cherry, plum, espresso, licorice and bittersweet chocolate saturate the palate. This young, vibrant, exotic red needs time to be at its best. Today, it is almost shockingly primary." - Antonio Galloni (Jul 2024)

94 Points - Wine Enthusiast:
"The nose is rich and indulgent, with aromas of vanilla, milk chocolate, Luxardo cherry and fresh coffee. The palate is balanced between fresh berries and earth tones, before a compellingly bitter finish of orange peel dipped in dark chocolate. Lithe acid flows around fine grained tannins." - Danielle Callegari (Dec 2024)

93 Points - Wine Spectator:
"A sleek, taut red, bordering on racy, sporting black currant, blackberry, violet and spice aromas and flavors. Firm yet balanced, with a light dusting of tannins lingering. Petit Verdot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Drink now through 2030. 3,333 cases made, 877 cases imported." - Bruce Sanderson (Oct 2024)