2010 Brancaia, Tre, IGT Rosso Toscana, Italy.
Casa Brancaia has three main estates, Brancaia in Castellina in Chianti Classico, Poppi in Radda in Chianti Classico and the Brancaia in Maremma, Grosseto, on the Tuscan Coast, they produce some of the region’s most desirable wines. Brancaia’s baby rosso comes from all three estates and is called Tre, it contains three varietals, mostly Sangiovese and parts of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. The 2010 Brancaia Tre IGT Rosso is 80% Sangiovese with 20% being a select mix of Merlot and the Cabernet, it was aged 12 months in French oak, with about 50% new barrels and while you’d think it would defined by it’s use the oak melts away into this red without seeming overt, in fact the wine tastes and feels fresh and juicy with bright pure Sangiovese character and is deliciously clear and smooth. The Brancaia Tre is lovely, focused and succulent on the palate with dark berry, plum, strawberry, black currant and cherry fruits, minty herbs, anise, cranberry, dried roses and subtle vanilla hints. With air there comes a touch of smoke, cigar box and mineral adding a bit more complexity, but honestly you don’t find depth or density here, this is more an easy go to for simple pleases and laid back cuisine, it is perfect for pasta, hamburgers, picnics and or cold cuts. Best not to over think this one, Brancaia has made fun and well made red that offers much for a fair price, drink now and for the coming 3 to 5 years.
($16 Est.) 90 Points, grapelive
