La Braccesca's Santa Pia, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano 2021 has an intense ruby red colour. The nose offers further intensity with notes of fresh red fruit, especially strawberries and cherries, accompanied by hints of blood oranges, sweet notes of vanilla and fresh piquant aromas of spices. This wine fully engages on the palate with with a forceful mouthfeel defined by powerful yet refined tannins sustained by outstanding freshness. The wine closes with a long finish, persistent and savoury and highlighted by pleasant notes of blood oranges, raspberries and vanilla on the aftertaste.

About the Producer

The La Braccesca estate covers some 1255 acres (508 hectares) where once were located the holdings of the Bracci counts, who gave their name both to the property and its coat of arms: an armour-clad arm holding a sword. The overall vineyard surface consists of 850 acres (340 hectares) and is divided into two blocks: the first, 575 acres (233 hectares) is situated on the border between Montepulciano and the neighboring township of Cortona. The second is 255 acres (103 hectares) in size, stretches close to the city itself and includes three highly renowned sub-regions for the production of outstanding red wine: Cervognano, Santa Pia, and Gracciano. Santa Pia is produced from a 37 acre (15 hectare) vineyard situated in the site of the same name, located on the terraces below the town of Montepulciano. Its unique soil, medium in texture and consistence, rich in stones and sand, have assisted the ambition to produce an elegant, but at the same time classic, example of Sangiovese, one capable of transmitting the highly recognisable expression of this historic production area. The first year of production of Santa Pia was the 2001 vintage.

Vineyard and Winery

Winter began with higher-than-average temperatures and abundant rainfall that provided excellent groundwater reserves. In general, the spring season was dry, especially during the month of March, presenting excellent conditions for soil management while prompting budbreak 10 days earlier than seasonal averages. A drop in temperatures at the beginning of April caused a reduction in yields but did not adversely affect the future quality of the fruit. Flowering took place later than usual, during the final days of June, when daytime weather was hot and sunny. Summer brought dry conditions and higher-than-average temperatures that ensured a well-balanced and complete ripening phase, also the result of careful soil management that preserved important groundwater reservoirs retained from winter precipitation. Sangiovese grapes for Vigneto Santa Pia were harvested on September 24th.

Grapes were brought to the cellar, destemmed and gently crushed. The must was transferred to stainless steel tanks where alcoholic fermentation occurred at a controlled temperature of 26-28 °C (80-82 °F), to preserve Sangiovese’s typical aromas. Maceration on the skins lasted several days after alcoholic fermentation and delicate mechanical techniques were implemented to extract soft supple tannins. Once malolactic fermentation was complete, the wine was transferred to 500-litre tonneaux for barrel aging that lasted for approximately 12 months. Vigneto Santa Pia was then aged in the bottle for at least one year before being released.