Freddy R. Troya

9.1

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. — a day ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.0

In the heart of the Chianti lies Estate of Sette Ponti, 15 miles northwest of the city of Arezzo, past village of San Giustino Valdarno. Has 10% Merlot, aged in French Allier barriques, deep Ruby with red fruit aromas and floral notes. On the palate blackberry, plum and cherry flavors with blossom notes, spice and fine integrated tannins. Good balance, long finish ending with some oak and mineral tones. Nice! Will age a bit! Tasting well now! — 8 months ago

Tyler Felous

9.3

Lovely. Drank over two nights. Aroma built nicely, warm on the way down — 3 years ago

John W

9.8

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 have mellowed significantly. $60 at total wine. — 24 days ago

Dave

9.3

What a strange syrah from a wonderful town. Wooly Bully tannins! Dark cherry cola gives way to chocolate, nutmeg, maybe plum, and a bunch of barnyard funk. It's awesome! — 4 months ago

Raul Puga

9.1

Always try new things. Really good. So different than US Syrah — 2 years ago

Per

9.5

Fragrant and fruity Syrah with earthly undertones. Nice hints of strawberry and blackberry, which were probably extra potent after 12 years. — 2 months ago

Peter van den Besselaar

9.1

Vintage 2020 | with this Italian Syrah that I served blind I fooled my wine friends, because they thought that the cherry fruitiness and rondeur was the equivalent of a Cru the Beaujolais. High acidity. And they also determined spicyness and pepper. — 3 months ago

Juan Mendez

9.5

Will now lookout for Syrah’s from Cortona — a year ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.1

Last ‘17 in cellar! In the heart of the Chianti lies Estate of Sette Ponti, 15 miles northwest of the city of Arezzo, past village of San Giustino Valdarno. Has 10% Merlot, aged in French Allier barriques, deep Ruby with red fruit aromas and floral notes. On the palate blackberry, plum and cherry flavors with blossom notes, spice and fine integrated tannins. Good balance, long finish ending with some oak and mineral tones. Nice! Will age a bit more! Tasting well now! — 4 years ago