Toscana, Italy - Cortona, Syrah

Today's Offer: Save 25%

REGULAR BOTTLE PRICE: $79.99

SPECIAL 3 BOTTLEs PRICE: $59.99

OFFER EXPIRES: Monday November 10th or until supply lasts

AVAILABILITY: 24 Bottles available

Estate & Ownership

Marchesi Antinori — a family whose documented winemaking heritage stretches back to 1385 — acquired Tenuta La Braccesca in 1990. The estate lies in Tuscany on 508 hectares, of which about 340 hectares are planted with vineyards. La Braccesca is divided into two main vineyard blocks: one straddling the border of the comune of Cortona and Montepulciano, the other extending toward the Montepulciano famed sub-zones of Cervognano, Santa Pia and Gracciano. This dual terroir allows the estate to explore both the Sangiovese/Merlot tradition of Montepulciano and the more modern expression of Syrah in Cortona.

The 2021 La Braccesca Bramasole (Cortona DOC), is made from 100% Syrah, planted on the estate’s sun-exposed, wind-blown hills in the Cortona area. The soils are clay-loam with sand and some gravel, benefitting from strong diurnal temperature shifts and ample ventilation — ideal for Syrah expression. After careful hand harvest and destemming, the grapes undergo fermentation in stainless steel at around 28 °C, with a maceration of about 15-20 days designed to extract aromatic compounds and polished tannins. The wine is then transferred to French oak barriques (a mix of new and second-passage) for malolactic fermentation and about 12-18 months of ageing, depending on vintage. This approach melds the Antinori tradition of quality with the modernity of a varietal typically associated with the Rhône, adapted to Tuscan hillside conditions.

In the glass the 2021 Bramasole presents a deep ruby-garnet colour with violet glints. On the nose, ripe dark cherries and blackberries are joined by spice-driven elements of white pepper, liquorice and violet flowers, along with subtle vanilla and tobacco from oak ageing. The palate is rich and full-bodied yet retains elegance: concentrated dark fruit, softly-rounded tannins and a balancing freshness carry into a long finish where cedar, licorice and a whisper of leather linger. This is a Syrah of character, built to age but approachable now with some decanting.

Why Buy This Wine

• Historic pedigree: Crafted by Marchesi Antinori, one of Italy’s oldest and most respected wine families (since 1385), ensuring quality, precision, and legacy in every bottle.
• Unique terroir: Sourced from Cortona’s high, breezy hills where Syrah thrives in sandy-clay soils with strong day-night temperature shifts, yielding balance and aromatic complexity.
• Modern meets tradition: Combines Antinori’s classical Tuscan craftsmanship with a contemporary, Rhône-inspired varietal, showing the family’s innovation beyond Sangiovese.
• Exceptional vintage: 2021 brought ideal ripening conditions — producing concentrated fruit, vibrant freshness, and beautifully integrated tannins.
• Winemaking excellence: Aged in French oak barriques for up to 18 months, enhancing texture, depth, and spice without overpowering the fruit.
• Tasting experience: Deep ruby color; aromas of blackberry, violet, pepper, and licorice; palate of dark fruit, fine tannins, and a long, elegant finish.
• Versatile appeal: Enjoyable now with decanting, yet structured enough to evolve gracefully for 10–15 years.
• Outstanding value: Offers the power and finesse of top Syrah at a fraction of the price of benchmark Rhône or Tuscan icons.

These bottles are in our Temperature Controlled Cellar ready for delivery