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

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

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

"Sparkling ruby red. In the nose of raspberries and pomegranate, fine spice in the aftertaste. Red berry on the palate with fresh acidity, crisp, juicy and hearty, great food companion." Falstaff

"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

"Medium red; fruity, also bark, inviting; barrel-fruity, juicy, round, long, very pleasant." Merum

"Powerful sparkling ruby red. Ripe blackberry fruit adorns the nose, juicy wild strawberries, poppy seeds and dried rose petals, also a light balsamic touch. Pleasant on the palate, with fine fruit melting, in velvety interwoven tannin dress, polished, lots of dark ripe fruit on the final, lingers long." Falstaff

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

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.

"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 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

"Fine-smelling aromas of cherries, violets and leather; full-bodied texture, noticeable fresh acidity, has juice and richness, the acidity as fresh as the finish, but the compact style takes over." Vinum

"Radiant ruby with a slightly brightening rim. Opens with light mineral notes, cedar wood, then lots of juicy cherry, very clear. Round and juicy in the attack, shows finely worked out cherry fruit, unfolds with polished tannin that is firm at the core, good tension and long lasting." Falstaff

"Vibrant black cherry and black currant flavors are the major themes in this red, shaded by earth, eucalyptus and resinous oak notes. A bit gruff on the finish now, but should come around nicely." Wine Spectator

"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

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

"Aromas of violets and plums with some crushed stone and tile, as well as spice, dark olives, flowers and mushrooms. Medium-to full-bodied with fine tannins and pretty fruit. Fresh and vivid with sweet tobacco and sweet plums. Fantastic length. 9,000 bottles is a much smaller production than in the past." 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

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

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.

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

"Finely chiselled site wine from the extensive vineyards around Castello di Brolio, with a lot of polish and yet also underpinning: convincing the balanced nose with fine fruit and floral notes, discreet mineral nuances; on the palate supple and yet with great future, the tannins finely spun and of great length. Convinces with its elegance and storability." Vinum

"Sparkling ruby with a slight garnet shimmer. Shows fine ripened fruit on the nose, of plum, blackberry and dark cherry, slightly earthy notes in the background, of black truffle. Firm pressure on the palate, unfolds with dense tannin, smooth at the core, after wild raspberries, good tension." Falstaff

"Focused cherry, plum, menthol and spice flavors permeate this dense red, which is vibrant and firmly structured, with the menthol and spice notes echoing on the long finish." Wine Spectator

"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

"The 2018 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Colledilà is the most complex of the single-vineyard Gran Seleziones, as it often is. A wine of notable aromatic breadth and dimension, the Colledilà is wonderfully nuanced from start to finish. Crushed rocks, sage, blood orange and smoke infuse the 2018 with notable character. Once again, the Colledilà is quite distinctive." Vinous

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

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

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

"Aromas of violets and plums with some crushed stone and tile, as well as spice, dark olives, flowers and mushrooms. Medium-to full-bodied with fine tannins and pretty fruit. Fresh and vivid with sweet tobacco and sweet plums. Fantastic length. 9,000 bottles is a much smaller production than in the past." 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

"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.

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

"Finely chiselled site wine from the extensive vineyards around Castello di Brolio, with a lot of polish and yet also underpinning: convincing the balanced nose with fine fruit and floral notes, discreet mineral nuances; on the palate supple and yet with great future, the tannins finely spun and of great length. Convinces with its elegance and storability." Vinum

"Sparkling ruby with a slight garnet shimmer. Shows fine ripened fruit on the nose, of plum, blackberry and dark cherry, slightly earthy notes in the background, of black truffle. Firm pressure on the palate, unfolds with dense tannin, smooth at the core, after wild raspberries, good tension." Falstaff

"Focused cherry, plum, menthol and spice flavors permeate this dense red, which is vibrant and firmly structured, with the menthol and spice notes echoing on the long finish." Wine Spectator

"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

"The 2018 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Colledilà is the most complex of the single-vineyard Gran Seleziones, as it often is. A wine of notable aromatic breadth and dimension, the Colledilà is wonderfully nuanced from start to finish. Crushed rocks, sage, blood orange and smoke infuse the 2018 with notable character. Once again, the Colledilà is quite distinctive." Vinous

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

"Fine-smelling aromas of cherries, violets and leather; full-bodied texture, noticeable fresh acidity, has juice and richness, the acidity as fresh as the finish, but the compact style takes over." Vinum

"Radiant ruby with a slightly brightening rim. Opens with light mineral notes, cedar wood, then lots of juicy cherry, very clear. Round and juicy in the attack, shows finely worked out cherry fruit, unfolds with polished tannin that is firm at the core, good tension and long lasting." Falstaff

"Vibrant black cherry and black currant flavors are the major themes in this red, shaded by earth, eucalyptus and resinous oak notes. A bit gruff on the finish now, but should come around nicely." Wine Spectator

"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