Slightly past its prime, drink 2009 now. Tannins have balanced out, very smooth but has lost some of the quality flavours of past bottles. — 4 months ago

Buy a case. By Antinori, the same people who make tignanelo — 5 months ago
La Braccesca – Achelo 2023
Cortona DOC – Tuscany, Italy 🇮🇹
100% Syrah
Overview
Achelo is La Braccesca’s pure expression of Syrah, grown in the Cortona appellation — an area that has quickly become Tuscany’s benchmark for this Rhône varietal. Unlike the usual Sangiovese-driven Tuscan reds, this bottle showcases Syrah’s fruit-forward, spicy elegance in a Mediterranean setting.
Aromas & Flavors
Juicy blackberry, ripe plum, and dark cherry up front, layered with violet, black pepper, and a faint hint of licorice. A touch of Mediterranean herbs rounds it out beautifully.
Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied with lively freshness. Silky tannins carry a supple, juicy core of fruit, finishing smooth and vibrant without heaviness.
Food Pairings
Pairs effortlessly with grilled sausages, roasted duck, Tuscan cured meats, or pasta with rich ragù. Also a great match for charred vegetables.
Verdict
Expressive, fruity, and juicy to the last sip. Achelo 2023 is a surprising Tuscan treasure that proves Syrah thrives in Cortona — both approachable now and worth watching as it develops.
Did You Know?
Though Syrah is more famously associated with the Rhône Valley, Cortona DOC in Tuscany has built a reputation for world-class Syrah, thanks to its favorable microclimate and clay-limestone soils. — 8 months ago
Has Vermentino fallen out of favour with Italians and is being replaced by a taste for Chardonnay?
Maybe but I don't want to believe it yet.
On hot summer days there is not much more refreshing than a well chilled glass of Vermentino. Chilled is a must - it still has enough oomph in the nose to release its floral essence. Once it comes up to room temp it can be overwhelmingly perfumey IMHO. Good acid balance.
I'm pretty convinced that you can trust anything from Fontori to be a solid choice. — 9 months ago
Aged in new French oak. Pure Syrah. Inky ruby coloration. On the nose, dark cherry, cassis, minerals, earth, leather, vanilla. On the palate, full bodied, rich mouthfeel, dark berry, cassis, spice and loads of chocolate. Long chocolaty finish. Tannins still present and persistent. — 5 months ago
38th bday 🤌🏻 — 7 months ago
Very good, as always (my third vintage). A cherry, strawberry, leather, vanilla and smoke maybe. High, pleasant acidity. Tannins on their way to smoothness. — 8 months ago
Deep color, very well balanced, black fruit, black cherry, fig, tanins are medium.
Goes very well with roasted duck, chicken red meat, risotto, mushrooms. — 4 years ago
Ruby. Nose of tobacco, smoke, cherry, fresh blackcurrant, violet, earthy. Palate of ripe cherry, blackcurrant, leather, vanilla, clove. Medium + velvet Tannin, medium+ acidity.
Paired with USDA T-bone. It wasn't just a meal; the earthy depth of the wine transformed the mushrooms and steak into a multidimensional experience. It reminded me why I value the art of pairing so much. — 4 months ago
Nice watermelon taste go along well with seafood. — 9 months ago
Delicious white wine! Recommended by wegmans salesperson and I’d definitely get it again. — a year ago
Had this one at Capo’s in LV. Went down well with the meal. — 2 years ago
Fabio Franchella
1 Glas : Angenehm weich, leicht buttrig, dezente holznoten und frischfruchtig im abgang. A little surprise — 3 months ago