Basic Information
      
        Wine
        Il Blu
      
      
        Year
        2005
      
      
        Description
        
      IL BLU perfectly embodies Brancaia’s distinctive identity and our vision of winemaking based on uncompromising dedication to quality and respect for the environment. With ultra-fine tannins and a flavorful and focused finish, IL BLU is a full-bodied wine that enchants with its complexity and elegance. Throughout the last 30 years, IL BLU has become not only a symbol for Brancaia, but it has earned worldwide acclaim, gaining a reputation as a classic for many wine lovers.
        Denomination
        IGT Rosso Toscana
      
      
        Varieties
        50% Sangiovese, 45% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon
      
    Vineyards and terroir
      
        Vineyards location
        Castellina in Chianti, Radda in Chianti
      
      
        Vineyards elevation and exposure
        230 - 400 mt a.s.l.; S-SO exp.
      
      
        Soils
        Castellina in Chianti: loamy; Radda in Chianti: medium textured with rocky skeleton
      
      
        Climate and microclimate
        Continental climate, with cold winters (temperatures below 0° C) and very hot summers.
      
    Vinification and aging
      
        Harvest
        05.09.05 - 29.09.05
      
      
        Alcohol
        Alcohol: 14,5%; total acidity: 6,10‰
      
      
        Temperature of fermentation
        30-32°
      
      
        Must contact
        Up to 20 days
      
      
        Maturing
        20 months, 2/3 in new 1/3 in used barriques
      
      
        Bottle ageing
        12 months minimum
      
      
        First year of production
        1988
      
      
        Ageing potential
        Up to 25 years
      
    Tasting notes
    
        Tasting note
        
      Focused aromas of crushed flowers, raspberries and sweet toasted oak.
        Perfect with
        
    
     Dishes with intense flavours, wild fowl, dark meat, fried or stewed lamb or beef.
Awards
      Vinous
         
         Antonio Galloni
       Falstaff
         
         Ulrich Sautter, Othmar Kiem
       Wine Enthusiast
         
         Monica Larner