La Braccesca, Santa Pia Riserva Vino Nobile di Montepulciano 2019
Product Information
Country Italy
Region Tuscany
Grape Variety Sangiovese
Vintage 2019
ABV 14.5%
La Braccesca Santa Pia Riserva Vino Nobile di Montepulciano 2019
Premium Tuscan Red Wine • DOCG • Sangiovese • 14.5% ABV
Experience one of Tuscany’s most revered Sangiovese expressions: the 2019 La Braccesca Santa Pia Riserva Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. Crafted by Antinori’s historic La Braccesca estate, this Riserva showcases refined structure, vibrant fruit, and the true character of Montepulciano’s limestone rich terroir.
Product Overview
• Region: Tuscany, Italy (Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG)
• Producer: La Braccesca (Antinori)
• Grape: 100% Sangiovese (locally Prugnolo Gentile)
• Vintage: 2019
• ABV: 14.5%
• Bottle Size: 75cl
Winemaking & Terroir
Harvested by hand in early October, the 2019 Santa Pia Riserva reflects ideal climatic conditions for Sangiovese with balanced ripening. Fermented in stainless steel at controlled temperatures to preserve aromatic finesse, the wine underwent a 20 day maceration, followed by a traditional malolactic fermentation. It then matured for roughly 12–18 months in oak barrels (tonneaux/barriques) and rested further in bottle before release, imparting depth, silky tannins, and refined complexity.
Tasting Notes
Appearance: Deep ruby red with garnet hues that hint at both youth and ageing capacity.
Nose: An expressive bouquet of ripe red cherries, black plum, spice, and cedar, accented by subtle vanilla and tobacco notes.
Palate: Structured yet elegant, with silky, supple tannins and balanced acidity. Flavours of forest fruits, balsamic spice and warm herbaceous undertones evolve into a long, persistent finish.
Critic Scores & Reviews
• 92 Points – Falstaff tasting panel (2024)
• Highly regarded across vintages by multiple critics (Antonio Galloni ~ 90+ / 100)
• Vivino community average rating ~4+ out of 5 ⭐
Consistently scoring in the 90s, this wine sits among the top expressions of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano available today.
Food Pairing Suggestions
Pair this elegant Riserva with classic Tuscan and Italian fare:
• Grilled or roasted meats (lamb, beef ribs)
• Hearty pasta with rich sauces
• Aged pecorino or Parmesan cheese
• Wild game or truffle dishes
Its firm structure and lively acidity make it a great companion to richly flavoured plates.
Ageing & Serving
• Peak Drinking Window: 2026–2032+
• Serving Temp: 16–18°C
• Decant: Recommended for 30–60 mins to open up aromatics
Why This Wine Matters
La Braccesca’s Santa Pia Riserva is a flagship expression of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, a DOCG appellation known for noble Sangiovese wines celebrated for structure, elegance, and ageing potential. This wine blends traditional Tuscan craftsmanship with modern precision, resulting in a rich, refined red that rewards both immediate enjoyment and cellaring.
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• Other Sangiovese Wines
• Premium Super Tuscans
• Antinori estate selections
• Age-worthy Italian reds
Browse our Italian collection to discover your next cellar addition.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What makes Vino Nobile di Montepulciano special?
A: It is a DOCG wine from Tuscany made predominantly from Sangiovese (Prugnolo Gentile), known for its refined balance of fruit, tannin, and savoury complexity.
Q: How long should I cellar this wine?
A: While already delicious, Santa Pia Riserva benefits from 2–6 years of ageing and can evolve beautifully for a decade or more.
Q: Best serving temperature?
A: Serve slightly below room temperature (16–18°C) to highlight aromatic depth and palate balance.
Q: Does it pair with vegetarian dishes?
A: Yes, rich mushroom risottos, truffle pasta and grilled root vegetables complement its earthy spice and structure.
