Barone Ricasoli | Brolio

Full, dark shimmering ruby. Fine and dense bouquet, with hints of blackberry, plums and a delicate hint of clove in the background. Juicy in taste, shows smooth tannin, spreads beautifully. Every year a great Chianti Classico with an exemplary value. SUPERIORE.DE

"Glowing Ruby. Open-hearted nose of juicy cherries and violets, underpinned by a delicate spicy note. On the palate balanced and clear, shows elegant fruit melt, light saltiness, juicy, drinks very well." Falstaff

"Quite intense red; cask-like coffee-like, appealing; distinctly fruity, somewhat full-bodied, round, fine tannin." Merum

This small edition red wine, now vinified in the 3rd vintage, is dedicated to Bettino Ricasoli, who wrote down the grape variety mixture of today's Chianti as early as 1872. But he was much more than that: two times Prime Minister of the united Italy (1861 and 1866), founder of the daily newspaper "La Nazione", agricultural researcher and "father" of the first Chianti product specification. The creation of this wine interprets his untiring will to create an independent Chianti style that is both traditional and contemporary to this day.

The unfiltered bottled Chianti Classico Brolio Bettino captivates with an intense ruby red. The intense and inviting scent of dark fruits is lined with noble balsamic notes. Flawless taste with well proportioned acidity and perfectly integrated tannin, powerful and long. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling ruby red with a bright edge. In the nose fresh cherries and cranberries. Crunchy palate with balanced fruit-acid play, pithy in the middle with fine melting, very harmonious in the attack and course, high drinking fun! Falstaff

"This is a terrific expression of Sangiovese with bright fruit, dense textural fiber and balanced acidity. The 2016 Chianti Classico Brolio Bettino plays all of its cards with an expert hand. It boasts impeccable balance, especially considering the relationship between its core of dark black fruit and the elegance and power of its long-lasting finish. Crushed stone notes appear as well." Robert Parker

Brolio Riserva is very classic in its composition, in its ageing, in its overall appearance from the label to the last sip. Velvety, dense ruby, dense nose with rich fruit, especially blackberry and some elderberry. In the taste smooth, the course polished with fine-grained tannin and long-lasting reverberation. SUPERIORE.DE

"Mid ruby. Slightly stalky and a little reductive on the nose. Plenty of concentrated sweet-tangy cherry fruit and grainy tannins. Great balance." Jancis Robinson

"The oldest winery in Italy, Castello di Brolio is managed by 32nd-generation Francesco Ricasoli. Of the 2016 vintage, he states that it was the first time in 10 years that the phenolic and sugar ripeness was perfectly in sync. Seductive notes of undergrowth evoke this forested region and are complemented by rooibos tea, red currants and tarragon. Fine-grained tannins brace the palate of this immediately drinkable, satisfying wine." Decanter

"This is a fantastic Chianti Classico Riserva that displays blackcurrants, dark plums, redder plums, tulips and cedar. Medium to full body, some really restrained and attractive tannins and a tangy finish." James Suckling

"An expression of fresh cherry greets the nose in this taut red, yet this remains austere on the palate, with fruit, iron, earth and oak spice flavors bound up in a grip of tannins. Everything is in the right place, but this needs time." Wine Spectator

"The 2016 Chianti Classico Riserva Brolio is a terrific wine that lives up to our expectations of a Riserva, while maintaining that playful informality that you don't get in the estate's more contemplative Gran Selezione. Indeed, the Riserva category of Chianti Classico has been largely overlooked ever since Gran Selezione came onto the scene some seven years ago, thus knocking Riserva off the top of the quality pyramid. This wine reminds you why you should take a closer look at Riserva. The bright aromas of dark cherry, spice and tilled earth are fresh and cheerful and are exactly why we are attracted to Chianti Classico in the first place. The mouthfeel is slender and fresh, making this a perfect wine for slices of steak, or tagliata, with porcini mushrooms." Robert Parker

Pure Merlot, which offers a very spicy nose with complex aromas of red fruits, a powerful and dense body. Large, firm, smooth and with potential for several years. SUPERIORE.DE

"Intense, dark ruby with a violet hue. Open and inviting nose with nuances of fresh plums, cherries and some rum pot, pithy and spicy. Very juicy with good pressure and fresh, crunchy fruit, enveloping berry spice, long and dense in the finish." Falstaff

"A pure expression of Merlot, the 2015 Casalferro is a velvety and deeply enriched red wine. The magical forces of sunny Tuscany and exuberant Merlot are combined here to produce a wine of intensity and sweet softness. It caresses the palate, thanks to the softness and the succulent nature of its texture. The warm 2015 vintage also leaves its mark in terms of concentration and richness." Robert Parker

"This is pure and silky, boasting cherry, raspberry, peony and spice flavors. Intense and harmonious, picking up accents of chocolate, tobacco and mineral on the lingering finish. Merlot." Wine Spectator

"Spicy oak with red fruit, blueberry and cherry aromas. The palate is gently smoky with fine tannins and a chalky minerality." Decanter

"Blackberries, blackcurrants, dark plums, Chinese spices and hints of vanilla. Full body, incredibly structured tannins, plenty of juicy blue fruit and a long finish. It's all so balanced and refined yet muscular." James Suckling

Castello di Brolio - a Super-Chianti Classico of the highest quality Gran Selezione and next to the Colledilà the second flagship of Barone Ricasoli. It comes from the vineyard of the same name, which has been the summer residence of the Ricasoli family since 1141. Powerful ruby, in the fragrance cherries, plums, some tobacco. On the palate it has a mature fruity note, racy, structured, long and full of finesse. SUPERIORE.DE

"Brilliant, rich ruby with a slight garnet shimmer. Very open and accessible nose, smells seductively of ripe cherries, some cloves and blueberries. Round and smooth in the base and course, a very soft and round Chianti, fine-meshed tannin, a lot of sweet enamel." Falstaff

"Floral, cherry and bell pepper nose and taste, fine tannins, then a very long finish and gentle oaky aftertaste." Decanter

"Sweet, ripe cherry and raspberry flavors define this Chianti Classico from start to finish, augmented by almond, iron and tar accents, with a hefty dose of grainy tannins. All the elements come together on the juicy aftertaste." Wine Spectator

"The 2015 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Castello di Brolio takes a few minutes to open and settle in the glass. The bouquet here is redolent of pressed cherry and dried blackberry with underbrush, dark spice, forest floor and even a touch of wild porcino mushroom. The mouthfeel is smooth and loosely textured, which gives the wine an accessible and immediate personality. These vineyard sites in Gaiole in Chianti are characterized by crushed alberese rock soils. These unique growing conditions always add to the focus and the sharpness of the aromas." Robert Parker

"A fresh and linear Gran Selezione Chianti Classico with firm and chewy tannins and dark fruits. Full body. Structured. Give it two or three years to come together." James Suckling

Ricasolis classic is made from 95% Sangiovese and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. The grapes come from a south-facing plot at an ideal altitude of 250 to 450 metres above sea level.

The 2016 edition of Castello di Brolio is a beautiful wine with great fullness and depth. Intense bouquet of small red berries, violets and spices. In the taste you can feel the precision and structure of a perfect vintage 2016. The tannin and acid structure is well proportioned and promises a long life and an interesting ripening period. SUPERIORE.DE

"Attractive reception on notes of red berries; smooth course with well integrated tannins, has enamel, juice and good length. Vinum

"The 2016 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Castello di Brolio is a beautiful wine, dense, rich and lasting. The bouquet is intense and profound with layers of red and purple fruit that cede softly to spice, leather and sweet tobacco. The classic 2016 vintage is characterized by its freshness, precision and cellar-worthiness. You get all those qualities here in one very elegant but also food-friendly package." Robert Parker

"There’s lots of clove character here, but the fruit really shines through, offering up intense hibiscus, orange rind, cranberries, Thai basil and dark chocolate. Full-bodied and really structured and refined with an agile core of red berries and savory undertones. Long but minerally on the finish." James Suckling

Pure Merlot, which offers a very spicy nose with complex aromas of red fruits, a powerful and dense body. Large, firm, smooth and with potential for several years. SUPERIORE.DE

As a result of extensive soil research, Francesco Ricasoli was able to identify three micro-layers that will be vinified separately from the 2015 vintage onwards. As a result, the Chianti Classico Gran Selezione range now includes the famous Castello di Brolio as well as three Cru vineyards (Colledilà, Roncicone and Ceniprimo), all of which are 100% stocked with Sangiovese. They differ in structure and taste in close correspondence with their terroir and impressively demonstrate the complexity of the Chanti Classico region.

Colledilà grapes come from the soils of Monte Morello. The 7.6 hectare Ein-Weinberg property was planted in 2002 on very rocky soils rich in calcium, clay and organic matter. These characteristics give this wine its sharpness and concentration, which promise a long maturation in the cellar.

In the bouquet ripe, dark cherry fruit and blackberry aromas, followed by tar, liquorice and potting soil. On the palate a fine earthiness, cherry and plum, with soft and slightly sweet tannins. A wonderfully structured wine that leaves nothing to be desired in depth, length and balanced proportions. SUPERIORE.DE

"Fresh, bright ruby garnet. Open, fine nose with notes of raspberry and fresh cherry. Juicy and clear on the palate, opening with present, fine tannin, salty, long aftertaste." Falstaff

"From a single parcel of vines planted on soils rich with alberese stones, the 2015 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Colledilà is a beautiful expression of 100% Sangiovese that offers a very genuine interpretation of this warm and sunny vintage. You absolutely taste the ripeness of the fruit at hand with dark cherry and blackberry flavors followed by tar, licorice and potting soil. These earthy aromas transport your mind and soul to the thickly forested Gaiole in Chianti area." Robert Parker

"This is fantastic Gran Selezione with such finesse and beauty. Medium body, delicate tannins and a juicy finish. Love the plum and cedar character. So subtle and polished." James Suckling

As a result of extensive soil research, Francesco Ricasoli was able to identify three micro-layers that will be vinified separately from the 2015 vintage onwards. As a result, the Chianti Classico Gran Selezione range now includes the famous Castello di Brolio as well as three Cru vineyards (Colledilà, Roncicone and Ceniprimo), all of which are 100% stocked with Sangiovese. They differ in structure and taste in close correspondence with their terroir and impressively demonstrate the complexity of the Chanti Classico region.

The new Cru Roncicone comes from soils with maritime deposits. It is a 10.1 hectare plot that was planted between 1998 and 2000 with a density of 6,000 plants per hectare. The soils are rich in marine fossils with sand at the top and thicker clay under the topsoil. Our impression of this wine is that it is most immediately and softly structured.

Roncicone has a deep dark, fruity smoky bouquet. On the palate dark violet fruits, paired with notes of forest soil, tobacco and a nice spice. The volume is full and deep, the tannins very accessible even at a young age and the finish is flanked by a well-structured acid structure, which will also provide a very good aging potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"It comes from a single vineyard at 320 metres above sea level, with a wonderful aroma of wild berries and herbs; the start is fresh and juicy, the acidity reviving and in perfect harmony with the tannins, full of elegance in the style of a Burgundy until the end." Vinum

"Here is a new exciting wine from Francesco Ricasoli that represents the hands-on results of a long zoning and research project underway at this estate to better understand the potential of each single vineyard within the greater Castello di Brolio property. The 2016 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Castello di Brolio Roncicone is a soft and velvety expression with a long bouquet of dark and purple fruit, tilled earth, spice and tobacco. The wine offers volume, grit and a more accessible or sweet tannin. This is a great steak wine made from 100% Sangiovese that was aged in 500-liter tonneaux. Some 6,000 bottles were made. This vineyard site is rich in marine fossils." Robert Parker

"I love the purity of fruit to this Gran Selezione that shows hibiscus, orange peel, violets, lavender, early grey tea, cloves, tobacco and wet earth. Elegant and flowing with lithe yet structured tannins, intensely refreshing acidity and a long, complex finish. Superb sangiovese." James Suckling

As a result of extensive soil research, Francesco Ricasoli was able to identify three micro-layers that will be vinified separately from the 2015 vintage onwards. As a result, the Chianti Classico Gran Selezione range now includes the famous Castello di Brolio as well as three Cru vineyards (Colledilà, Roncicone and Ceniprimo), all of which are 100% stocked with Sangiovese. They differ in structure and taste in close correspondence with their terroir and impressively demonstrate the complexity of the Chanti Classico region.

CeniPrimo is a pure Sangiovese of soils characterized by a former river course. It is a 6.4 hectare plot that was planted with southwest exposure in 1998. This site is located in a valley on the river Arbia, and the soils at this point are very complex with alluvial land and clay, which contains little organic matter and less limestone. After our tasting it seems to be the most nuanced and varied of the three single vineyard Gran Selezione.

Intense, fresh and bright bouquet of violets and wild spicy notes. In the drink an elegant acidity and fine mineral slate traces. Cherry, blackberry, plum, white pepper and some rosemary lead the perfectly structured drop into a never-ending and complex finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sangiovese in purezza from a single location at 300 meters above sea level on the vast territory of the Castello di Brolio: Typical nose of raspberries, violets and pepper; in the mouth extremely precise with fine acid accents and fine-grained tannin, elegant and polished the finish." Vinum

"This is the third of the single-vineyard Gran Selezione wines now being offered by Barone Ricasoli. Of the three, the 2016 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Castello di Brolio CeniPrimo is my favorite. This is also 100% Sangiovese and 6,000 bottles were made. The bouquet is bright and direct with a slightly wild or untamed side. I picked up notes of crushed white pepper and rosemary essence. You also get a distinct mineral note of slate or black rock. All this tops off a plummy fruit core in this pretty wine. Pair it with a Tuscan sausage and bean dish." Robert Parker

"A beautiful nose with tangerine peel, strawberries, rose petals, boysenberries, cranberries, red plums, red cherries and dark spices. Very grainy and refined on the palate with a real kick from the orange-rind undertones that permeate the entire palate. Tiptoes like a tightrope walker between power and finesse and executes its mission nearly to perfection." James Suckling

Pure Merlot, which offers a very spicy nose with complex aromas of red fruits, a powerful and dense body. Large, firm, smooth and with potential for several years. SUPERIORE.DE

"Intense, dark ruby with a violet hue. Open and inviting nose with nuances of fresh plums, cherries and some rum pot, pithy and spicy. Very juicy with good pressure and fresh, crunchy fruit, enveloping berry spice, long and dense in the finish." Falstaff

"A pure expression of Merlot, the 2015 Casalferro is a velvety and deeply enriched red wine. The magical forces of sunny Tuscany and exuberant Merlot are combined here to produce a wine of intensity and sweet softness. It caresses the palate, thanks to the softness and the succulent nature of its texture. The warm 2015 vintage also leaves its mark in terms of concentration and richness." Robert Parker

"This is pure and silky, boasting cherry, raspberry, peony and spice flavors. Intense and harmonious, picking up accents of chocolate, tobacco and mineral on the lingering finish. Merlot." Wine Spectator

"Spicy oak with red fruit, blueberry and cherry aromas. The palate is gently smoky with fine tannins and a chalky minerality." Decanter

"Blackberries, blackcurrants, dark plums, Chinese spices and hints of vanilla. Full body, incredibly structured tannins, plenty of juicy blue fruit and a long finish. It's all so balanced and refined yet muscular." James Suckling

As a result of extensive soil research, Francesco Ricasoli was able to identify three micro-layers that will be vinified separately from the 2015 vintage onwards. As a result, the Chianti Classico Gran Selezione range now includes the famous Castello di Brolio as well as three Cru vineyards (Colledilà, Roncicone and Ceniprimo), all of which are 100% stocked with Sangiovese. They differ in structure and taste in close correspondence with their terroir and impressively demonstrate the complexity of the Chanti Classico region.

Colledilà grapes come from the soils of Monte Morello. The 7.6 hectare Ein-Weinberg property was planted in 2002 on very rocky soils rich in calcium, clay and organic matter. These characteristics give this wine its sharpness and concentration, which promise a long maturation in the cellar.

In the bouquet ripe, dark cherry fruit and blackberry aromas, followed by tar, liquorice and potting soil. On the palate a fine earthiness, cherry and plum, with soft and slightly sweet tannins. A wonderfully structured wine that leaves nothing to be desired in depth, length and balanced proportions. SUPERIORE.DE

"Fresh, bright ruby garnet. Open, fine nose with notes of raspberry and fresh cherry. Juicy and clear on the palate, opening with present, fine tannin, salty, long aftertaste." Falstaff

"From a single parcel of vines planted on soils rich with alberese stones, the 2015 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Colledilà is a beautiful expression of 100% Sangiovese that offers a very genuine interpretation of this warm and sunny vintage. You absolutely taste the ripeness of the fruit at hand with dark cherry and blackberry flavors followed by tar, licorice and potting soil. These earthy aromas transport your mind and soul to the thickly forested Gaiole in Chianti area." Robert Parker

"This is fantastic Gran Selezione with such finesse and beauty. Medium body, delicate tannins and a juicy finish. Love the plum and cedar character. So subtle and polished." James Suckling