Wine Review: 2009 Brancaia Ilatraia Maremma Toscana Tuscany, Italy
Brancaia Ilatraia Maremma has produced an elegant soulful wine with this 2009 vintage Toscana. The wine sings from the moment poured until that last drop falls from the glass to the tongue. Almost like a choreographed theatrical act, it was smooth and tight. It is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc grapes.
The red and blue fruit aromas mingle with a hint of cola as the smells rise from the glass. Well-developed red fruit flavors expand to express a broad complex palate assault of goodness after this wine gets a little air. As wine journeys go, this one came with a scenic view and lots of pleasant surprises appearing along the way as the journey flowed smoothly.
If this had been a first date and in a way it was, when it was over I knew I wanted another. The Maremma region is part of Tuscany and as of late is making the rest of Tuscany and the wine world take notice. Decant for at least an hour before consuming the wine. Suggested culinary pairings should be simple robust flavors that will let the subtle complexities of the wine show it has elegance and balance.
Rating: Excellent (92) | $51 | 14.5% ABV
Kay S.
Thanks for your e-mail response and question about the 2010 Brancaia Illatraia. I have not had the pleasure of consuming the 2010 yet.
The 2010 vintage in Tuscany Maremma region had some wines plagued with inconsistencies, but Brancaia was not one of them. However at only three years old it might be too soon to consume.
Distributors do not cellar wines and release them when they are ready,they put them on retailers shelves when the last vintage sells out. If the last vintage sells quickly(which was the case for the 2009 Brancaia) the next wine is often put up for sale long before it is ready to be consumed
Too often consumers see reviews and assume the wine(especially if it got a good score)is ready to consume. This blend could use five years aging at minimum and probably go beyond ten and still be fine. At this price point if you can wait you should. The reward will be worth the wait.