La Braccesca (Antinori)
Achelo Cortona Syrah
Cortona, Arezzo, Tuscany, Italy
Do not buy. Rhonda says it is very fruity. She took one sip and dumped it. By the folks who do tignanelo.
Do not buy. Rhonda says it is very fruity. She took one sip and dumped it. By the folks who do tignanelo.
Dec 11th, 2025
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.
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.
