La Brancaia, encompassing the two estates Brancaia and Poppi, has been owned by the Swiss couple Brigitte and Bruno Widmer since 1981. It is located in the heart of the Chianti Classico area and saw a vertical take-off when it's vintage 1983 won first place at a major Chianti Classico tasting. Since then, through uncompromising dedication to quality and a strong own identity, the continuous recognition of BRANCAIA was built up - spearheaded by the estates top-wine Brancaia IL BLU, being already a classic for many wine lovers all over the world. The wines come from a state-of-the-art cellar. The estate is managed by the oenologist and daughter of the owners, Barbara Kronenberg-Widmer, together with her husband Martin Kronenberg. They enjoy consulting support by the brilliant oenologist Dr. Carlo Ferrini. La Brancaia is one of Tuscany's top wine-growing estates, winning national and international awards every year. Its wines are sold - and bought - all over the world.

Since 1998 another wine-growing estate, Brancaia in Maremma, has been owned by the Widmer family. It is located southeast of Grosseto, about 7 miles from the sea in the municipality of Morellino di Scansano.

The estate is still in an early stage. It, too, strives for the highest quality, in cooperation with Dr. Carlo Ferrini, our consultant wine-maker. The vineyards have hillside locations, looking south to southwest, their altitude is between 250 and 575 ft. They are partially covered with greenery and worked according to integrated production standards. Of the roughly 89 acres which are planted, 45% are Sangiovese, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petit Verdot, 15% Cabernet Franc, Merlot and other grapes. In the autumn of 2000 the first harvest was brought in. There are 2400 vines to the acre. All are cultivated in the one-armed cordon system.

The cellar has been operational since vintage 2003. The cellar is set up in a way that gives the grapes the most gentle and accurate treatment, according to the most advanced technical standards. All this with one goal: achieve products of highest quality.

In January 2003 we decided to change the name of our wine-growing estate in Maremma from "Poggio al Sasso" to "Brancaia in Maremma". The aim of this change is to emphasize the close relationship between the two estates. There are differences between them - however the team and the philosophy are the same!