Brancaia in Chianti Classico, encompassing the two estates Brancaia and Poppi, has been owned by the Swiss couple Brigitte and Bruno Widmer since 1981. Barbara and Martin Kronenberg-Widmer run the winery together which is located in the heart of the Chianti Classico area.
The estate had a vertical take-off when it's vintage 1983 won first place at a major Chianti Classico tasting. Since then, through uncompromising dedication to quality and a strong own identity, the continuous recognition of BRANCAIA was built up - spearheaded by the estates top-wine Brancaia IL BLU, being already a classic for many wine lovers all over the world.
Martin Kronenberg is responsible for the management of the company and the worldwide distribution. Barbara Kronenberg-Widmer, as a learned winemaker, takes care of the production. They enjoy consulting support by the brilliant winemaker Dr. Carlo Ferrini. La Brancaia is one of Tuscany's top wine-growing estates, winning national and international awards every year. Its wines are sold - and bought - all over the world.
The Brancaia estate encompasses the vineyards Brancaia (Castellina in Chianti) and Poppi (Radda in Chianti), at between 750 and 1300 feet above sea level. All vineyards have hillside location, looking south, southwest or southeast. They are partly covered with greenery and worked according to integrated production standards.
Soil is lean and stony, with a portion of clay and lime.
Vineyards cover roughly 60 acres: 65% are Sangiovese, 30% Merlot, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon.
Each acre carries about 2400 wines. All are cultivated in the one-armed cordon system. Approximately 4800 lb. of grapes are hand-picked from an acre.
The harvest takes place from September till October and is exclusively done by hand. Grapes are collected in small 44 lb. cases and brought to the cellar as fast as possible.
The state-of-the-art cellar is essential to our aim: producing the highest possible quality. All buildings and installations are arranged in a way as to give the grapes the very best production treatment.
The 3-story building plays an important role: it uses mostly gravity instead of pumps.
A top-quality IL BLU Rosso di Toscana Supertoscan and the outstanding CHIANTI CLASSICO DOCG plus another Supertoscan called TRE carry the Brancaia brand name. La Brancaia also comprises a few olive groves producing a first-class, cold-pressed "Extra Vergine".
Brancaia GRAPPA has completet our portfolio since November 2002.