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

"Shiny, intense ruby. Finely marked nose with notes of dark cherry, some black truffle, fine plum. Polished, very fine-meshed tannin, showing fine cherry and raspberry, juicy, an exceedingly drinkable Chianti Classico." Falstaff

"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

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

"Mid crimson. Leafy cherry and rhubarb nose with chalky notes. Cranberry, redcurrant and sour cherry on the palate and with some serious but not hard tannins on the finish. Long and vibrant, almost too much so." Jancis Robinson

"The 2020 Chianti Classico is bright, punchy and full of near-term appeal. I would prefer to drink the 2020 over the next few years, while the red-fleshed Sangiovese flavors retain their youthful energy. This tasty Chianti Classico has plenty to offer." Vinous

"This juicy red is marked by cherry, tomato leaf and olive flavors. Boasts bright acidity, with dusty tannins flexing on the finish. A linear, well-delineated version." Wine Spectator

"Aromas of dark cherries, mocha, leather and tea leaves. It’s medium-bodied with fine tannins. Lively and fresh, with lots of red cherries and berries on the center-palate and a flavorful finish. Typical for an outstanding Chianti Classico." James Suckling

Torricella is, according to Francesco Ricasoli, "the white soul of Brolio" and comes from a vineyard originally planted with Malvasia Toscana vines near a well-known Tuscan estate. This estate was called Torricella. Since 2003, this vineyard has been completely planted with Chardonnay vines, resulting in a white wine that has enormous ageing potential. Francesco comments: "With the Torricella, a very great white wine was created from the very first vintage, which is able to give its best even after many years of ageing. It is surprising that even vintages that are 50 or even 70 years old are still alive and fresh. Just look at the analysis data - alcohol, total acidity, pH and volatile acidity - which very often prove the longevity of this wine."

The complex bouquet is reminiscent of citrus fruits, white flowers and honey, wonderfully fresh and velvety balanced on the palate. The full and fresh fruit is joined by a fine hint of vanilla and cinnamon. In addition, this white has a discreet minerality and a subtle spiciness that make it unique. Long and harmonious aftertaste. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright straw yellow. Initially light petrol notes on the nose, opens on nuances of precious woods, wet stone and exotic fruits, candied pineapple. Lush on the palate, with perceptible use of wood, golden fruit, well-integrated acidity." Falstaff

"Honeysuckle, grilled pineapple, dried lemon and cedar on the nose. It’s medium-to full-bodied with bright acidity and flavorful, saline character." 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 haunting ruby 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

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

"Plenty of sweet plums on the nose with orange peel. It’s full-bodied with juicy ripe fruit and creamy tannins. Some savory, earth and meaty character in the aftertaste." James Suckling

Very delicate oil from Tuscany. Shiny green. Slightly fruity scent of olive leaves and freshly mown grass. Intense on the palate with concise spiciness and a harmonious bitter note, the strong finish is accompanied by a fine almond note. Those who know and appreciate the wines of Barone Ricasoli will also love this cold-pressed oil. SUPERIORE.DE

olive varieties: Moraiolo, Leccino, Frantoio

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

"Youthful ruby. Fresh cherry with a soft oak note. Supple, round, accessible sweet cherry fruit with lots of acidity on the palate. Sweet oak and succulent fruit on the finish. I am sure this will make lots of friends." Jancis Robinson

"The 2019 Chianti Classico Riserva Brolio is packed with dark cherry fruit, plum, mocha, chocolate, sweet oak, leather and spice. This racy, overt Riserva is on the flamboyant side, but all the elements are nicely melded together." Vinous

"Spicy nose of nutmeg, paprika, pine cones, cherries and iodine. Medium-to full-bodied with firm, creamy tannins. Compact and focused. Stones and lemons at the end." James Suckling

"Well-marked by new oak, offering cherry, plum, iron and spice aromas and flavors, this red is concentrated and vibrant. Delivers dense and interwoven tannins, with a lingering aftertaste echoing cherry, mineral and spice." Wine Spectator

"Intense notes of sour cherry and vanilla, then violet and blood orange. The palate opens with juicy tannins with subtle leathery flavours and sour cherries, followed by a very long blood-orange aftertaste. Beautifully textured with a well-padded palate and a polished structural frame. A wonderful wine." Decanter

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 now made from 100% Sangiovese. The grapes come from a south-facing plot at an ideal altitude of 250 to 450 metres above sea level. Castello di Brolio Gran Selezione 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

"Polished and balanced, this red offers cherry, plum, floral, iron and tobacco flavors, with a kiss of vanilla. Focused, exhibiting a dense line of tannins, yet this is balanced and complex. Youthful, so be patient." Wine Spectator

"A polished and reserved Castello with cherry, orange-peel and chocolate aromas and flavors. Tight and round-tannined, in a very subtle and curated way. The precision in this wine is impressive. Needs time to open." 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

"Plenty of sweet plums on the nose with orange peel. It’s full-bodied with juicy ripe fruit and creamy tannins. Some savory, earth and meaty character in the aftertaste." 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

"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

A study commissioned by Francesco Ricasoli has shown that there are 19 different types of soils on Brolio. Thus, it was possible to precisely define the sites that are particularly good for Merlot, from which wines with a unique structure and unmistakable taste emerge. With the 2018 vintage, Francesco Ricasoli now presents the "new" Casalferro, whose grapes come from the three different vineyards Vigna Casalferro, Vigna Pecchierino and Vigna Sodacci. This has drastically reduced the production volume, but the result is impressive!

A Tuscan Merlot as it is written in the book. On the nose, multi-layered aromas of dark red fruits, delicate cedar wood, leather, very spicy. Initially taut and dense on the palate, it opens up as it progresses and spreads out in an impressive elegance. The interplay between bouquet and complexity on the palate is perfectly balanced and its impressive size is already unmistakable. This Merlot will have a great future. SUPERIORE.DE

"Noble, bright ruby red. In the nose barrel-spicy and after noble woods, plum, blackberry, peppery-malty tones in the finish. Very fresh on the palate with crisp acidity without missing its body, tightens up nicely, polished and with lots of juice, keeps coming, put it away, will be a long distance runner." Falstaff

"The 2018 Casalferro, Brolio's (Merlot) is a powerful, brooding wine packed with dark-fleshed fruit, espresso, dried herbs menthol, licorice, incense and cloves. This juicy, flavorful red delivers plenty of impact, that much is pretty clear." Vinous

"A very precise and beautiful merlot with violets, spices and blackcurrants. Extremely perfumed. Medium-bodied with ultra-fine tannins and a long, lustrous finish, showing finesse and complexity. Delicious to drink now, but will improve with age." 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

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.

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

"Comes from river alluvial soils at 320 metres above sea level: multi-faceted bouquet with subtle mineral notes, lots of polish and yet also character; compact texture, tannins and acidity well balanced, elegant and youthful finish. Can mature." Vinum

"Shiny ruby-garnet. Finely marked nose with notes of raspberry, some strawberry, underlaid with fine spices in the background, multilayered. Intense fresh fruit on the palate, unfolds with polished tannin in many layers, long and deep, slightly smoky notes on the final." Falstaff

"Linear and compact, offering a core of cherry and strawberry singed by iron, tobacco and oak spice flavors. There's intensity to this, combined with a firm structure and balanced in a tightly wound package, showing excellent length." Wine Spectator

"The 2018 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Roncicone emerges from a parcel on marine soils that naturally yield a bright, taut expression of Sangiovese. Sweet red berry fruit, flowers, chalk, mint and blood orange bring out the more lifted, red-toned expression of Sangiovese. The Roncicone is another very pretty wine in this range from Brolio." Vinous

"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.

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

"The 2019 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Roncicone shows the more ethereal side of Sangiovese in this vintage. Sweet red cherry, mint, crushed rocks, orange peel and rosewater lend notable aromatic brilliance. Deceptive in its mid-weight, translucent personality, the Roncicone delivers plenty of intensity." Vinous

"This spicy red is introduced with a blast of bright cherry fruit, along with strawberry, currant, eucalyptus and tobacco notes. Reveals an underlying mineral element, and dusty tannins present on the finish. All the components are there." Wine Spectator

"The aromas and structure to this single vineyard Chianti Classico are something else this year. The orange-peel, meat and cherry aromas are lifted and spirited. It’s medium-bodied with firm, chewy tannins that are dusty and fine-grained. Structured and sturdy with a granite-like presence. Try after 2025, but impressive to taste." 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

"The 2019 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Colledilà is another terrific wine in this range from Brolio. It marries energy with depth, showing plenty of nuance as well as character. Dark red cherry/plum fruit, mocha, tobacco, blood orange and incense all run through this deep, fleshy Gran Selezione. The 2019 Colledilà is one of the best wines I have tasted from Brolio in some time." Vinous

"Lots of fresh fruit here, with orange-peel and crushed-berry character. Some crushed stone as well. Full-bodied with integrated tannins that spread across the palate and melt in nicely, making is almost seamless. Better after 2025." James Suckling

"Distinctly savory, this red delivers grassy, thyme and menthol aromas and flavors allied to notes of cherry, strawberry and loam. Angular and dense, with the fruit component emerging with air, this is long, complex and deftly balanced, revealing an aftertaste of cherry, berry, mineral and herbal accents." Wine Spectator

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

"The 2019 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione CeniPrimo is a very pretty wine. Bright and translucent, with terrific energy, the 2019 has so much to offer. Sweet floral notes, kirsch, spice, rose petal and French oak are nicely delineated throughout. I very much like the energy here." Vinous

"Super spicy from the aromas through the finish, this red is sleek and taut. Features strawberry, currant, cherry and earth flavors, peppery spices and a kick of vanilla on the firm finish. Though delicate, there is no lack of intensity." Wine Spectator

"This has an intensely perfumed nose of lavender, sandalwood, dried cherries, blueberries, creme de cassis, bay leaves, walnuts and stones. Full-bodied with polished, well-integrated tannins and a layered, silky and concentrated core of spiced and herbed fruit. Long. Intense. Fantastic already, but try in 2024." 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

"Youthful ruby. Fresh cherry with a soft oak note. Supple, round, accessible sweet cherry fruit with lots of acidity on the palate. Sweet oak and succulent fruit on the finish. I am sure this will make lots of friends." Jancis Robinson

"The 2019 Chianti Classico Riserva Brolio is packed with dark cherry fruit, plum, mocha, chocolate, sweet oak, leather and spice. This racy, overt Riserva is on the flamboyant side, but all the elements are nicely melded together." Vinous

"Spicy nose of nutmeg, paprika, pine cones, cherries and iodine. Medium-to full-bodied with firm, creamy tannins. Compact and focused. Stones and lemons at the end." James Suckling

"Well-marked by new oak, offering cherry, plum, iron and spice aromas and flavors, this red is concentrated and vibrant. Delivers dense and interwoven tannins, with a lingering aftertaste echoing cherry, mineral and spice." Wine Spectator

"Intense notes of sour cherry and vanilla, then violet and blood orange. The palate opens with juicy tannins with subtle leathery flavours and sour cherries, followed by a very long blood-orange aftertaste. Beautifully textured with a well-padded palate and a polished structural frame. A wonderful wine." Decanter

Ricasoli's classic is now made from 100% Sangiovese. The grapes come from a south-facing plot at an ideal altitude of 250 to 450 metres above sea level. Castello di Brolio Gran Selezione 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

"Polished and balanced, this red offers cherry, plum, floral, iron and tobacco flavors, with a kiss of vanilla. Focused, exhibiting a dense line of tannins, yet this is balanced and complex. Youthful, so be patient." Wine Spectator

"A polished and reserved Castello with cherry, orange-peel and chocolate aromas and flavors. Tight and round-tannined, in a very subtle and curated way. The precision in this wine is impressive. Needs time to open." 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

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, remains 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 Burgundy-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

A study commissioned by Francesco Ricasoli has shown that there are 19 different types of soils on Brolio. Thus, it was possible to precisely define the sites that are particularly good for Merlot, from which wines with a unique structure and unmistakable taste emerge. With the 2018 vintage, Francesco Ricasoli now presents the "new" Casalferro, whose grapes come from the three different vineyards Vigna Casalferro, Vigna Pecchierino and Vigna Sodacci. This has drastically reduced the production volume, but the result is impressive!

A Tuscan Merlot as it is written in the book. On the nose, multi-layered aromas of dark red fruits, delicate cedar wood, leather, very spicy. Initially taut and dense on the palate, it opens up as it progresses and spreads out in an impressive elegance. The interplay between bouquet and complexity on the palate is perfectly balanced and its impressive size is already unmistakable. This Merlot will have a great future. SUPERIORE.DE

"Noble, bright ruby red. In the nose barrel-spicy and after noble woods, plum, blackberry, peppery-malty tones in the finish. Very fresh on the palate with crisp acidity without missing its body, tightens up nicely, polished and with lots of juice, keeps coming, put it away, will be a long distance runner." Falstaff

"The 2018 Casalferro, Brolio's (Merlot) is a powerful, brooding wine packed with dark-fleshed fruit, espresso, dried herbs menthol, licorice, incense and cloves. This juicy, flavorful red delivers plenty of impact, that much is pretty clear." Vinous

"A very precise and beautiful merlot with violets, spices and blackcurrants. Extremely perfumed. Medium-bodied with ultra-fine tannins and a long, lustrous finish, showing finesse and complexity. Delicious to drink now, but will improve with age." James Suckling