Barone Ricasoli | Brolio

Strong ruby garnet, violet reflections and light rim. Correct, delicious, clear, fruity, juicy, spicy, original and yet modern. Beautiful dark berry fruit, delicate wood and herbal spice and a hint of tobacco. This Chianti, from the inventor of Chianti and named after him, is worth every cent of its purchase price. SUPERIORE.DE

Rich, dark shimmering ruby. Open-hearted, dense bouquet of blackberries, plums and a delicate hint of cloves in the background. Juicy on the palate, shows supple tannin, spreads nicely. Every year a great Chianti Classico with an exemplary price-quality ratio. SUPERIORE.DE

"Transparent garnet. Tangy and classic Sangiovese in which freshness of fruit overwhelms the fine tannin. Very appetising. A commendable standard-bearer. Some richness offsets the acidity." Jancis Robinson

"Once again, Brolio delivers a highly satisfying glass of Chianti Classico from the estate's expansive vineyards in Gaiole. The 2019 is balsamic in personality with scents of cedar, thyme and rosemary weaving through dark cherry. Velvety, powdery tannins provide a gentle, structural grip, while crunchy, citrussy acidity cleanses the mouth." Decanter

"A succulent, fruity red with dried-cherry and orange-peel aromas and flavors. It's medium-to full-bodied with fine yet round tannins and a juicy, fruity finish." James Suckling

Francesco Ricasoli, the likeable and ambitious owner of Castello di Brolio, brings out elegance and finesse as well as a wonderful depth of fruit in his wines. Rocca Guicciarda Riserva is a soft, silky wine. Dark ruby, rich, open bouquet of cherry and pomegranate, plus a fine almond and tobacco note. A wine whose juiciness makes it a pleasure to drink early on, but whose complexity of flavour increases enormously as it matures. SUPERIORE.DE

"This is extremely fresh and perfumed with flowers, orange peel, cherries and hints of walnuts and Chinese spice. Some dried flowers, too. Medium-bodied with a very tight palate and ultra fine tannins that are polished and firm. Racy and long. Very structured and serious. Nice bitter citrus in the aftertaste." James Suckling

This red in Riserva quality is dedicated to Bettino Ricasoli, who wrote down the grape variety blend of today's Chianti as early as 1872. But he was much more than that: twice prime minister of the united Italy (1861 and 1866), founder of the daily newspaper "La Nazione", agricultural researcher and "father" of the first product specification of Chianti. The creation of this wine interprets his tireless will to create an independent Chianti style that is both traditional and contemporary to this day.

Chianti Classico Brolio Bettino captivates with a hauntingruby red. The intense and inviting aroma of dark fruits is underpinned with noble balsamic notes. Flawless on the palate with well-proportioned acidity and perfectly integrated tannin, powerful and long. SUPERIORE.DE

Everything is just right here: Brolio Riserva is classic in its composition, in its ageing, in its entire impression from the label to the last sip. Velvety, dense ruby, dense nose with rich fruit, especially blackberry, some elderberry and a nice herbal spiciness. Supple on the palate, the course is polished with fine-grained tannin and a long-lasting final. SUPERIORE.DE

"Aromas of cherry, light vanilla and orange peel with some mushroom undertones. Medium-to full-bodied with firm, velvety tannins and fresh acidity. Extremely attractive now, but a year or two will open it up." James Suckling

Very delicate oil from Tuscany. Shiny green. In the fragrance slightly fruity after olive leaves and freshly mown grass. At the palate intensive with concise sharpness and a harmonious bitter note, the strong finish is accompanied by a fine almond note. Who knows and appreciates the wines of the Barone Ricasoli, will also love this cold-pressed oil. SUPERIORE.DE

olive varieties: Moraiolo, Leccino, Frantoio

Rich, dark shimmering ruby. Open-hearted, dense bouquet of blackberries, plums and a delicate hint of cloves in the background. Juicy on the palate, shows supple tannin, spreads nicely. Every year a great Chianti Classico with an exemplary price-quality ratio. SUPERIORE.DE

Transparent garnet. Tangy and classic Sangiovese in which freshness of fruit overwhelms the fine tannin. Very appetising. A commendable standard-bearer. Some richness offsets the acidity.

"Once again, Brolio delivers a highly satisfying glass of Chianti Classico from the estate's expansive vineyards in Gaiole. The 2019 is balsamic in personality with scents of cedar, thyme and rosemary weaving through dark cherry. Velvety, powdery tannins provide a gentle, structural grip, while crunchy, citrussy acidity cleanses the mouth." Decanter

"A succulent, fruity red with dried-cherry and orange-peel aromas and flavors. It's medium-to full-bodied with fine yet round tannins and a juicy, fruity finish." James Suckling

Bright golden yellow with amber reflections. In the bouquet facets of dried apricot, tropical fruit, honey and candied orange peel. At the palate creamy, complex and with fine minerality. A terrificVin Santo with breathtaking fruit intensity and precision! SUPERIORE.DE

"Opening to a golden amber color, the 2011 Vin Santo del Chianti Classico Castello di Brolio (packaged in a 500-milliliter bottle) shows aromas of honey, caramel, roasted nuts, vanilla and brown sugar. There is silky, seamless integration of these flavors that flow together over the palate in absolute harmony. The 2011 vintage saw a very hot summer growing season with pronounced sugars and concentration, two things that are essential when making a Vin Santo of this enormity, caliber and longevity." Robert Parker

Ricasoli's classic is made from 95% Sangiovese and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. The grapes come from a south-facing plot of land 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. On the palate you can feel the precision and structure of an almost perfect 2016 vintage, with a well-proportioned tannin and acidity framework that promises a long life and interesting maturation. SUPERIORE.DE

"Appealing reception on notes of red berries; smooth progression with well-integrated tannins, has melodiousness, juice and good length. Vinum

"Shiny, medium-density ruby grenade. Open and accessible nose, shows notes of ripe cherries and raspberry, some orange peel and beeswax. Medium weight on the palate, very well integrated, fine tannin, polished." Falstaff

"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 variety Merlot, which offers a very spicy nose, multi-layered red fruit aromas, a powerful and dense body. Big, firm, smooth and with potential for quite a few years. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby with a slight violet shimmer. Shows notes of tobacco and liquorice on the nose, lots of blackberry. Lots of juicy fruit on the palate, fine-meshed tannin, plenty of crisp acidity." Falstaff

"Full and juicy with lots of ripe fruit and spices. Firm and silky tannins. A little tight now but shows potential." James Suckling

"The Barone Ricasoli 2016 Casalferro puts a purely Tuscan fingerprint on the Merlot grape. From a classic vintage that was especially favorable for an early-ripening variety such as this, the wine is beautifully tonic and tightly wound initially, although it cedes and expands quite elegantly onto the palate. The bouquet opens gracefully to dark cherry, blackberry, spice, leather and tar. These elements are balanced and weighed against each other with just the right intensity." Robert Parker

Ricasoli's 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 2018 edition of Castello di Brolio is a beautiful wine with great richness and depth. The bouquet intense of small red berries, violets and spices. On the palate, you can feel the precision, structure and freshness. The tannin and acid structure is well proportioned and promises a long life and an interesting ageing period. SUPERIORE.DE

"This is very spicy with nutmeg, cloves and hints of hazelnuts that add complexity to the black-cherry and raspberry undertones. Full-bodied, rich and layered with a velvety texture and a flavorful finish. Beautiful center palate. Very powerful and structured. Hints of mushroom and balsamic in the aftertaste. Needs time to soften." James Suckling

Francesco Ricasoli, the likeable and ambitious owner of Castello di Brolio, brings out elegance and finesse as well as a wonderful depth of fruit in his wines. Rocca Guicciarda Riserva is a soft, silky wine. Dark ruby, rich, open bouquet of cherry and pomegranate, plus a fine almond and tobacco note. A wine whose juiciness makes it a pleasure to drink early on, but whose complexity of flavour increases enormously as it matures. SUPERIORE.DE

"This is extremely fresh and perfumed with flowers, orange peel, cherries and hints of walnuts and Chinese spice. Some dried flowers, too. Medium-bodied with a very tight palate and ultra fine tannins that are polished and firm. Racy and long. Very structured and serious. Nice bitter citrus in the aftertaste." James Suckling

This red in Riserva quality is dedicated to Bettino Ricasoli, who wrote down the grape variety blend of today's Chianti as early as 1872. But he was much more than that: twice prime minister of the united Italy (1861 and 1866), founder of the daily newspaper "La Nazione", agricultural researcher and "father" of the first product specification of Chianti. The creation of this wine interprets his tireless will to create an independent Chianti style that is both traditional and contemporary to this day.

Chianti Classico Brolio Bettino captivates with a hauntingruby red. The intense and inviting aroma of dark fruits is underpinned with noble balsamic notes. Flawless on the palate with well-proportioned acidity and perfectly integrated tannin, powerful and long. SUPERIORE.DE

As a result of extensive soil research, Francesco Ricasoli was able to identify three microlocations, which will be vinified separately from the 2015 vintage onwards. The range of Chianti Classico Gran Selezione now includes, in addition to the famous Castello di Brolio, three cru sites (Colledilà, Roncicone and Ceniprimo), all of which are 100% planted 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 grapes of Colledilà come from the soils of Monte Morello. The 7.6 hectare single-vineyard plot was planted in 2002 on very rocky soils rich in calcium, clay and organic matter. These characteristics give this wine its sharpness and concentration, promising long ageing in the cellar.

Ripe, dark cherry fruit and blackberry aromas, followed by tar, liquorice and potting soil. On the palate, a fine earthiness, cherry and plum, plus finely knit and slightly sweet tannins. The dense fruit and pleasant acid wire the Sangiovese provide the necessary freshness. Masterfully composed! SUPERIORE.DE

"Pure Sangiovese from a site at 380 metres above sea level, which expresses the character of the Chianti Classico very well: intense aromas of wild strawberries and flowers, also nuances of spices; juicy in the mouth, the acidity perfectly balanced with the tannin, powerful finish. Precise Sangiovese, which also promises a lot of storability." Vinum

"Sparkling, intense ruby. Appealing, finely marked nose, shows notes of violets, fresh cherry, some mulberry. Round and balanced on the palate, gives itself surprisingly fresh, very good tension." Falstaff

"Ricasoli's three cru Gran Seleziones hail from diverse sites throughout the estate's expansive property in Gaiole. Reaching 380 metres on stony, calcareous clay, the 7.2-hectare Colledilà vineyard looks southeast toward Montalcino's Monte Amiata. It expresses attractive, ripe cherry and plum with subtle baking spice and cedar. Smooth and round, the palate sports a glossy sheen, with very well behaved tannins and soft acidity amplifying toward the finish, which lingers with orange and cinnamon." Decanter

"The 2017 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Colledilà is fabulous, and also one of the best wines I have tasted from Castello di Brolio recently. A burst of sweet red berry fruit, fresh flowers, mint and blood orange give the 2017 its distinctive, effusive personality. It is remarkably nuanced. Soaring aromatics and silky tannins add to its charm, which is considerable." Vinous

"The Barone Ricasoli 2017 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Colledilà sources its fruit from a site at 380 meters in elevation called Monte Morello with calcareous alberese soils. These conditions give extra focus and linearity to the wine with layered aromas of crushed stone and spice. The wine is equally fruity with blackberry, wild cherry and crushed rose petal. Colledilà is a classic and lasting expression from Gaiole in Chianti." Robert Parker

"The purity of fruit here is stunning with blackberry, blueberry and orange-peel aromas and flavors. Medium-bodied with ultra fine tannins. Racy and focused with precision and polish that is very impressive for the vintage." James Suckling

Brolio Riserva is quite classic in its composition, in its ageing, in its entire impression from the label to the last sip. Velvety, dense ruby, dense nose with rich fruit, especially blackberry and some elderberry. Supple on the palate, the course is polished with fine-grained tannin and a long-lasting finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red. In the nose of rose hips, pomegranate, wild strawberries and fine spice, inviting. On the palate clear, with present fruit, stretches juicily over the tongue, also salty, fills a wide arc, in the final long lasting and with emphasis." Falstaff

"Packaged with a black label to show its Riserva status, this beautiful wine shows classic lines and good harmony. From a hot and dry vintage that threw many challenges at vintners across Tuscany, the Barone Ricasoli 2017 Chianti Classico Riserva Brolio reveals the expertise and know-how of the Ricasoli winemaking team. It opens to dark cherry and blackberry with earthy background aromas and plenty of smoke and crushed mineral. This is the kind of wine you'll want next to a wood-fired lasagna." Robert Parker

"A fresh, firm 2017 with blackberry, blueberry and dark-chocolate character. It's medium-to full-bodied with chewy tannins and a fresh, tangy finish. Like the light bitter lemon at the finish." James Suckling

"There is an inherent sweetness to this red, thanks to the ripe plum and black cherry fruit, with leather, tobacco and licorice notes playing supporting roles. This is solidly built, lingering nicely on the finish, where a saline element emerges." Wine Spectator

"The 2017 Chianti Classico Riserva Brolio is rich, expansive and super-expressive. Black cherry, spice, leather, espresso and a kick of Merlot richness all build in the glass. Creamy, open-knit and inviting, the 2017 is a terrific choice for drinking now and over the next decade or so. It's one of the better recent editions I can recall." Vinous

As a result of extensive soil research, Francesco Ricasoli was able to identify three microlocations, which will be vinified separately from the 2015 vintage onwards. The range of Chianti Classico Gran Selezione now includes, in addition to the famous Castello di Brolio, three cru sites (Colledilà, Roncicone and Ceniprimo), all of which are 100% planted 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 single-varietal Sangiovese from soils shaped by a former river course. It is a 6.4 hectare site planted in 1998 with southwest exposure. This site is in a valley on the Arbia River, and the soils are very complex at this point with alluvium and clay that is low in organic matter and lower in limestone. From our tasting, it seems to be the most nuanced and diverse 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 a little rosemary lead the perfectly structured drop into a never-ending and multi-layered finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Comes from a vineyard at 300 metres above sea level, characterised by river alluvial soils, stays for about one and a half months in 500-litre barrels: elegant, finely chiselled Sangiovese nose with notes of raspberries, violets and balsamic components; harmonious in the mouth with fine acid points and polished tannin, elegant, almost Burgundian-like finish. Should age." Vinum

"Deep, dark ruby violet. Initially a bit closed on the nose, then lots of dark berry fruit, especially cassis, black cherry and tobacco. Full and concentrated on the palate, lots of grippy, gripping tannin, still seems a little edgy, needs additional maturity." Falstaff

"Dark cherry, leather, spice, menthol, rose petal and cedar flesh out in the 2017 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione CeniPrimo. Powerful and intense in the glass, with notable density to match its vertical feel, the 2017 remains pretty approachable. It will drink nicely with minimal cellaring." Vinous

"Presenting an extremely elegant mid-weight style, the Barone Ricasoli 2017 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Castello di Brolio CeniPrimo dances across the senses with grace and softness despite any preconceptions concerning this hot, not always easy vintage. The wine opens beautifully in the glass and tastes even better the next day. Delicate forest berry, cassis, dried herbs and crushed flowers give the wine a lot of material that is presented to the senses in careful stages." Robert Parker

"This is very perfumed and fruity with cherries, light currants and just a hint of vanilla. It's medium-bodied with tight, polished and silky tannins and a flavorful finish. Creamy and refined, yet structured. Subtle and very, very long." James Suckling

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

Cru Roncicone comes from soils with maritime deposits. It is a 10.1 hectare plot planted between 1998 and 2000 at 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 the most immediately and softly structured.

Deep dark, fruity-smoky bouquet. On the palate then dark, violet fruits, paired with notes of forest floor, tobacco and a nice spiciness. The volume is full and deep, the tannins very accessible even at a young age and the finish is flanked by a well-structured acidity framework, which will also ensure a very good ageing potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"Shiny, rich ruby. Open, inviting nose with notes of dark cherries and fresh plums. Juicy and fresh on the palate, finely meshed tannin in several layers, salty on the final." Falstaff

"The 2017 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Roncicone is a supple, fruity wine that offers quite a bit of immediacy and appeal. Sweet red cherry fruit, cedar, spice and tobacco are front and center in this soft, open-knit Chianti Classico. Sweet floral notes linger on the polished finish." Vinous

"Spice, rose and wild berry aromas waft out of the glass. On the austere palate, polished tannins elegantly support cranberry, sour cherry, espresso and licorice." Wine Enthusiast

"The Barone Ricasoli 2017 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Castello di Brolio Roncicone is balanced and bright with plenty of fruit, spice, flower and potting soil. The wine is stitched together with balance and precision, making for a terrific and worthy partner to a Tuscan spezzatino, or beef stew. The tannins are especially fine and well integrated, considering the quick-ripening fruit in this hot vintage." Robert Parker

"This is so perfumed - the red fruit and flowers just jump out of the glass. So aromatic. Full-bodied, yet the precise, fine tannins just melt into the glass and spread wide across the palate. A gorgeous wine." James Suckling

Everything is just right here: Brolio Riserva is classic in its composition, in its ageing, in its entire impression from the label to the last sip. Velvety, dense ruby, dense nose with rich fruit, especially blackberry, some elderberry and a nice herbal spiciness. Supple on the palate, the course is polished with fine-grained tannin and a long-lasting final. SUPERIORE.DE

"Aromas of cherry, light vanilla and orange peel with some mushroom undertones. Medium-to full-bodied with firm, velvety tannins and fresh acidity. Extremely attractive now, but a year or two will open it up." James Suckling

As a result of extensive soil research, Francesco Ricasoli was able to identify three microlocations, which will be vinified separately from the 2015 vintage onwards. The range of Chianti Classico Gran Selezione now includes, in addition to the famous Castello di Brolio, three cru sites (Colledilà, Roncicone and Ceniprimo), all of which are 100% planted 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 grapes of Colledilà come from the soils of Monte Morello. The 7.6 hectare single-vineyard plot was planted in 2002 on very rocky soils rich in calcium, clay and organic matter. These characteristics give this wine its sharpness and concentration, promising long ageing in the cellar.

Ripe, dark cherry fruit and blackberry aromas, followed by tar, liquorice and potting soil. On the palate, a fine earthiness, cherry and plum, plus finely knit and slightly sweet tannins. The dense fruit and pleasant acid wire the Sangiovese provide the necessary freshness. Masterfully composed! SUPERIORE.DE

"This is sensational, with ultra fine tannins that melt into the wine. Such intense and beautiful fruit with cherries, peaches and lightly candied cherries. Some citrus, too. Very soft and creamy with wonderful polish. Beautiful center palate and a lovely finish. A song in the bottle. A little tight now. Hard to wait, but give it two or three years to open." James Suckling

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

Cru Roncicone comes from soils with maritime deposits. It is a 10.1 hectare plot planted between 1998 and 2000 at 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 the most immediately and softly structured.

Deep dark, fruity-smoky bouquet. On the palate then dark, violet fruits, paired with notes of forest floor, tobacco and a nice spiciness. The volume is full and deep, the tannins very accessible even at a young age and the finish is flanked by a well-structured acidity framework, which will also ensure a very good ageing potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"Aromas of minerals, crushed stones and cherries. Pine needles, too. Floral. Full-to medium-bodied with a tight, linear palate and super fine tannins. Extremely deep. Fresh. Light saltiness. Give this three or four years to open." James Suckling

As a result of extensive soil research, Francesco Ricasoli was able to identify three microlocations, which will be vinified separately from the 2015 vintage onwards. The range of Chianti Classico Gran Selezione now includes, in addition to the famous Castello di Brolio, three cru sites (Colledilà, Roncicone and Ceniprimo), all of which are 100% planted 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 single-varietal Sangiovese from soils shaped by a former river course. It is a 6.4 hectare site planted in 1998 with southwest exposure. This site is in a valley on the Arbia River, and the soils are very complex at this point with alluvium and clay that is low in organic matter and lower in limestone. From our tasting, it seems to be the most nuanced and diverse 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 a little rosemary lead the perfectly structured drop into a never-ending and multi-layered finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"This is amazing Chianti Classico. Perhaps the greatest I have ever tasted. The aromas are so complex with crushed cherries, sour cherries, peaches, bark and hints of meat. Incredible finish with such intensity and beauty. Hard not to drink, but one for the cellar." 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

Ricasoli's classic is made from 95% Sangiovese and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. The grapes come from a south-facing plot of land 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. On the palate you can feel the precision and structure of an almost perfect 2016 vintage, with a well-proportioned tannin and acidity framework that promises a long life and interesting maturation. SUPERIORE.DE

"Appealing reception on notes of red berries; smooth progression with well-integrated tannins, has melodiousness, juice and good length." Vinum

"Shiny, medium-density ruby grenade. Open and accessible nose, shows notes of ripe cherries and raspberry, some orange peel and beeswax. Medium weight on the palate, very well integrated, fine tannin, polished." Falstaff

"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 variety Merlot, which offers a very spicy nose, multi-layered red fruit aromas, a powerful and dense body. Big, firm, smooth and with potential for quite a few years. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby with a slight violet shimmer. Shows notes of tobacco and liquorice on the nose, lots of blackberry. Lots of juicy fruit on the palate, fine-meshed tannin, plenty of crisp acidity." Falstaff

"Full and juicy with lots of ripe fruit and spices. Firm and silky tannins. A little tight now but shows potential." James Suckling

"The Barone Ricasoli 2016 Casalferro puts a purely Tuscan fingerprint on the Merlot grape. From a classic vintage that was especially favorable for an early-ripening variety such as this, the wine is beautifully tonic and tightly wound initially, although it cedes and expands quite elegantly onto the palate. The bouquet opens gracefully to dark cherry, blackberry, spice, leather and tar. These elements are balanced and weighed against each other with just the right intensity." Robert Parker