Where to Stay in: Maremma: Brancatelli

Brancatelli is an organic winery and Agriturismo located in the Maremma, the south west side of Tuscany that borders the Tyrrhenian Sea. The Maremma is becoming known as the birthplace of the famous Super Tuscan wines (Sassicaia, Ornellaia) centered around the region of Bolgheri, but a plethora of new wineries have opened up here, taking advantage of the special microclimate found in Maremma.

Brancatelli is a relaxed, family run place, surrounded by fields of vineyards and olive trees. There’s a large pool and some picnic tables and if you visit, probably the family’s rescue dog, Shy, will be running around the grounds like he was when we visited. The area around Brancatelli is flat plans and agriculture (lots of which are vineyards). 20 minutes to the west you find the sea and 20 minutes north or east, you’re in the hills peppered with medieval towns (see some suggestions on what to visit nearby below).

We visited on an unusually cloudy few days in mid May, 2021 so our pics turned out a little cloudy!

Brancatelli is great for:

• Those who want to get off the beaten track
• Families and groups of friends
• Those who want to explore southern Tuscany/Maremma
• Those who want to try new, organic Italian wines and new Super Tuscans
• Those with pets! (allowed with small additional fee)
• Those with a car

The Story of Brancatelli

It all started in Holland (bet you weren’t expecting that!) when one hitch-hiking Irish girl named Catherine got stuck when her passport expired and met a Sicilian man named Giuseppe. Their love story began there but it wasn’t until the late 1990s that they decided to buy land in Italy and start a winery that developed into the Agriturismo they run today. They are the wonderful couple behind Brancatelli and meeting them made our stay even more special as they are both kind, fun loving, good natured people, who know how to make you feel right at home.

Our night with the Brancatellis started with an abundant antipasto of salamis and cheeses paired with their white San Giovese wine, moved on to wild boar pasta, braised in the same red wine we were drinking (yum) and ended with dessert paired with delicious Alicante wine (like an incredibly concentrated red dessert wine with lots of tannin – not your typical “sweet” wine) and Luca playing the guitar while we all sang along.

The Apartments

Brancatelli has eight apartments with kitchens and also three rooms in the previous stables (though you could never tell!) overlooking the olive grove if you are looking for a more simple set up. Wood beam ceilings and thoughtful details create a cozy atmosphere in each of the rooms which we greatly appreciated!

What to Visit Nearby in Maremma

I am obsessed with finding good pastries so the first thing on this list is where to get breakfast. Conca d’oro Caffe in Vicarello. So crispy, so buttery, a million pastries, great coffee/espresso, gelato, and chocolate in the shape of agricultural tools (yes, you read that right, and they are amazing).

The ferry port at Piombino (25 minute drive). From here it’s about an hour on the ferry to get to the Isle of Elba. Read my Elba travel guide here.

Bolgheri, the birthplace of Super Tuscan wine (35 minute drive to the town of Bolgheri itself)

Populonia castle. (30 minute drive)

Baratti beach plus beautiful hiking trails overlooking the sea. (25 minute drive)

Medieval hill town of Campiglia Marittima. (20 minute drive)

Book your stay with Brancatelli

Check out Brancatelli’s site (button below) to book with them directly!

*Note on reviews: I am always on the look out for more places that I can recommend to Unlock Italy guests that might be booking a tour with me or Luca or working with me to plan their Italy trips. If you know a great place you think I’d like, send me an email! If you own a place in Italy that you’d like me to review, feel free to contact me. I only review places I truly love and that I think will be a good fit for Unlock Italy guests.