“Casalferro” Rosso Toscana IGT 2019

Ricasoli 1141 | Tuscany
Barone Ricasoli S.p.A. Agr. | Cant. d. Cast. di Brolio | IT 53013 Gaiole

09122419 · 0,75 l · 69,33 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shippingavailable immediately

A wine that made history. When Francesco Ricasoli presented Casalferro for the first time in 1993, it marked the beginning of a new era for the venerable Castello di Brolio and cemented Ricasoli's membership in the elite of Italian oenology. Today, almost three decades later, Casalferro 2019 is a prime example of how a French grape variety matures to exceptional perfection on Tuscan terroir. Casalferro is the essence of three exceptional individual vineyards: Vigna Casalferro, Vigna Pecchierino and Vigna Sodacci. These 13 hectares of Merlot vineyards between 400 and 500 metres above sea level are the result of decades of meticulous terroir studies. Each site has its own personality: Vigna Casalferro with its sandstone and limestone soils, Vigna Pecchierino on pure Alberese limestone and Vigna Sodacci on iron-rich sandstone soils. They all share the characteristic altitude, which gives the grapes the crystalline freshness and lively acidity that characterise the DNA of the Brolio terroir.

Intense ruby red with purple reflections. On the nose, fresh violets and dark plums with flavours of black cherries and blackberries. This is overlaid with seductive notes of cedar wood, mocha and a hint of sandalwood, while subtle spicy nuances of white pepper and coriander lend the fragrance additional sophistication. The palate is full-bodied but never heavy, with a silky texture and ultra-fine polished tannins that envelop the palate like velvet. The varietal softness of the Merlot blends harmoniously with the mineral power of the Brolio terroir. Layers of dark fruit, espresso and bitter cherries develop on the palate, supported by a fine acidity that gives the wine structure and vibrancy. The final is of exceptional length and complexity - memories of cherry liqueur, mineral notes and an elegant spiciness linger for a long time. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich ruby red with a garnet-red rim. Fresh sour cherries and plums on the nose, with violets and a touch of coriander in the background. Fruity and juicy on the palate, with well-integrated tannins and a long final." Falstaff

"A rich, dark expression of Merlot, this red walks the fine line between austerity and generosity, with the latter gaining prominence over the course of the fine finish. Dense, with the tight texture working in tandem with black cherry, blackberry, iron and spice flavours." Wine Spectator

"The Barone Ricasoli 2019 Casalferro showcases its potential in a classic vintage. The DNA of the wine, which is made exclusively from Merlot, is characterised by the grape variety, but the terroir also plays a major role in this presentation. You know you're drinking a wine from Tuscany thanks to a delicate bundle of flavours that includes wild cherry, violet fruit, violets and spices. This wine gives an Italian personality to a French grape variety." Wine Advocate

"The 2019 Casalferro is magnificent. Ripe dark cherry and plum fruit, liquorice, spice, new leather, menthol and mocha are combined in a generous, lush Merlot that offers much of the vibrancy of a Chianti Classico." Vinous

"Blueberry, plum, red and black berries mingle with wild flowers, spice and a hint of roasted coffee beans. In the mouth it's stony and flavoursome, with lovely cool blue fruits accompanied by a hint of creaminess on the mid palate and a long, super fresh and balanced finish." Decanter

"Super flavours of fresh violets, black olives, crushed raspberries and blackberries. Also a hint of dried flowers. Full-bodied but compact and polished, with superbly crafted tannins that compress the palate and give it a velvety texture. Taut and concentrated. The most precise and refined Casalferro ever. It needs at least three or four years to show what it's made of, but it has great potential. Best from 2026 onwards." James Suckling

"Produced for the first time not only with the best grapes from the vineyard of the same name, but also with contributions from the Pecchierino and Sodacci vineyards, this is a pure Merlot of stature with intense aromas of blueberries, currants and balsamic herbs on the nose. The flavour is elegant and spectacularly clean. Salty and spicy tannins, excellent drinkability." Luca Gardini