Tenuta La Braccesca

Tenuta La Braccesca sits in southeastern Tuscany, just a few kilometers from Montepulciano, on the border with Umbria. The estate takes its name from the ancient farm of the Counts of Bracci, whose coat of arms still graces the property: an armored arm brandishing a sword. This is land that has seen Etruscans, Romans, medieval monks, and Renaissance nobility pass through, each leaving their mark on the winemaking culture. The Marchesi Antinori family acquired the estate in 1990, making it one of their first major acquisitions outside Chianti.

A dual terroir

The property sprawls across 508 hectares, with 334 hectares planted to vines. What makes La Braccesca unique is its split personality. The vineyards are divided into two blocks. The first, 237 hectares, straddles the border between Montepulciano and Cortona. Here, clay and loam soils at altitudes around 280 to 300 meters create ideal conditions for Syrah, an international variety that has found a surprising home in Tuscany. The second block, 103 hectares, extends into the heart of Montepulciano itself, covering three historic sub-zones: Cervognano, Santa Pia, and Gracciano. These vineyards sit on rocky red clay soils and are dedicated to Sangiovese, locally known as Prugnolo Gentile, the backbone of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. The Mediterranean climate, dry and arid near Cortona, provides the perfect environment for both traditional and innovative winemaking.

The Antinori vision

The Antinori family has been making wine since 1385, when Giovanni di Piero Antinori joined the Florentine Winemakers' Guild. That's 26 generations of winemaking knowledge. Today, the family is led by Piero Antinori and his three daughters: Albiera, Allegra, and Alessia. Their philosophy is simple: tradition, passion, and intuition. They respect the past but never let it limit the future. At La Braccesca, this translates into a dual approach. On one side, there's the traditional Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, a wine with centuries of history. On the other, there's Syrah from Cortona, a bold experiment that has paid off beautifully. The estate's underground cellars feature both large oak casks and French barriques, carefully selected to match each wine's character. Stainless steel tanks control fermentation temperatures, preserving the fresh fruit aromas that make these wines so appealing. The winemaking team balances old methods with modern technology, always with one goal: expressing the true character of the land.

The wines

La Braccesca produces six labels, each telling a different story. The flagship Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG, first released in 1990, blends Sangiovese with a touch of Merlot. It's elegant and balanced, with notes of blackberries, violets, and vanilla, aged for 12 months in oak followed by another 12 months in bottle. The Vigneto Santa Pia Riserva comes from a single 10 to 15 hectare plot near Montepulciano and is made only in exceptional vintages. It's 100% Sangiovese, bold yet refined. For everyday drinking, there's Sabazio Rosso di Montepulciano DOC, named after a medieval monk who documented winemaking techniques in the region. On the Cortona side, Bramasole Syrah has become one of the region's top contenders, with rich plum and blackberry flavors complemented by spice and tobacco. The newest addition, Achelo, is another single-varietal Syrah that showcases the potential of this emerging appellation. Together, these wines represent the two hearts of La Braccesca: tradition and innovation, living side by side in perfect harmony.