97pts James Suckling

The finesse and beauty of this wine are rather breathtaking, with currant, mint, spearmint, sandalwood and blackberry aromas that follow through engagingly to the palate. It starts off medium-bodied, but then grows on the palate and spreads out at the end with reserved fruit and superb tannins. Fantastic structure and balance. Needs five or six more years to come together.

96pts Vinous

The 2021 Il Blu is superb. Bright and vibrant in the glass, with terrific depth, the flagship Il Blu turns in an exceptionally strong showing in 2021. The blend of Merlot, Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon works so well on this property. Blue/purplish fruit, lavender, spice and rose petal all build into the sumptuous finish.

95pts Wine Spectator

Blackberry and black currant fruit reign in this slim, juicy red. Defined by vibrant acidity and a line of dense, well-mannered tannins as this plays out on the finish. Accents of vanilla, graphite and black pepper add detail. Shows fine potential.

95pts Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

With the cobalt blue and gold label, the Brancaia 2021 Il Blu is a blend of mostly Merlot with smaller percentages of Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon. This top-shelf release shows a medium to full-bodied texture with sweet tones of black fruit, cigar box and dark-grained toasted bread. The wine expands fully over the palate thanks to its soft texture and tannins.

95pts Jeb Dunnuck

The 2021 Il Blu pours a saturated red/magenta hue and is layered and spiced with notes of blackberry compote, violets, menthol, polished leather, dark chocolate, and forest earth. Full-bodied, it has an even spine of acidity, wrapped with velvety tannins, balanced richness without being weighted, and a lovely tapering finish.

Winemaker Notes

Aromas of currant, violet and cocoa. A wine of great structure, with elegant, firm and creamy tannins. Rich and intense, with sweet currant and wild berries characterizing the finish.

Perfect alongside food with pronounced taste, dark meat such as beef or lamb, roast or braised game.

Blend: 80% Merlot, 10% Sangiovese, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon

Winery Notes

Founded by Swiss couple Brigitte and Bruno Widmer in the famed hillsides of Tuscany more than 30 years ago, Brancaia is the modern face of luxury Italian wine. Rooted in the bold Super Tuscan movement that forever changed Italy’s winemaking culture, the wines of Brancaia blend classic Italian grapes with international varieties, bringing a decidedly modern touch to a centuries-old wine region.

Today the winery is still family owned and operated, led by the Widmers’ daughter, winemaker Barbara Widmer. Barbara has excelled at perfecting the style and quality of Brancaia wines by producing elegant, complex wines with a strong Tuscan identity.