Achelo

The Wine

Achelo is a full flavored and delicate wine produced entirely with Syrah grapes to honor the historic and cultural importance of Cortona’s territory. The wine’s name was inspired by the Etruscan divinity Achelo, who appears on one of the most important Etruscan artifacts in the museum in Cortona, Museo dell’Accademia Etrusca.

The Wine

Climate

The 2023 winter months brought mild temperatures and repeated rain showers that guaranteed generous groundwater reservoirs in vineyard soils. Budbreak began at the beginning of April when the weather was cool and rainy. Temperatures rose significantly during the month of June. Occasional rainfall and excellent temperature swings between day and night during the month of August ensured an optimal start to the ripening phase. The grape harvest for Achelo began on September 15th. At harvest time, the fruit was perfectly healthy, exceptionally aromatic with great balance.

Vinification

Grapes were destemmed and gently crushed. The must was transferred into stainless steel tanks. Fermentation took place at temperatures that did not exceed 25 °C (77 °F) over a period of approximately 10 days. 70% of the wine was then transferred into second-fill and third-fill French oak barriques where malolactic fermentation took place and the remaining 30% went into stainless steel vats. Achelo was bottled starting September 26th, 2024.

Historical Data

The La Braccesca estate, whose overall surface extension is over 1250 acres (508 hectares), consists of two different vineyard blocks. The historical nucleus of the property, 255 acres (103 hectares) under vine, is located in the township of Montepulciano, while the other block, with approximately 590 acres (237 hectares) of vineyards, is situated at the foot of the hills which surround the town of Cortona.

Tasting Notes

Achelo 2023 is ruby red with violet hues. On the nose, intense notes of violets, blackberries and plums accompany pleasantly spicy and piquant notes. The bouquet is completed by notes of vanilla and black pepper. The palate is fresh, supple and velvety with silky tannins and hints of black cherries, licorice and blackberries. Outstanding aftertaste defined by notes of ripe fruit, spices and vanilla.

Tenuta La Braccesca

La Braccesca spreads over 508 hectares where the ancient farm of the Bracci counts once stood, hence the name of the estate and its coat of arms: an arm covered in armour holding a sword. Since 1990 the Marchesi Antinori have owned the estate. The total surface area of the vineyards is 334 hectares divided into two parts: the first, of 232 hectares is located on the border between the municipalities of Montepulciano and Cortona. The other body, 102 hectares of which are planted with vines, extends as far as Montepulciano between three of the most renowned sub-zones for the production of great red wines: Cervognano, Santa Pia and Gracciano.