Ricasoli, Castello di Brolio, 2018

Ricasoli Winery

Ricasoli Winery, located in the heart of the Chianti Classico wine region, is the epitome of Tuscan wine culture. Nestled among gentle hills, velvety valleys, and thick woodlands of oaks and chestnuts, the property spans an impressive 1,200 hectares, which includes nearly 240 hectares of vineyards and 26 of olive groves. This creates a breathtaking panorama around the Brolio Castle, located within the town limits of Gaiole in Chianti, and a constant succession of colors and hues that paint a picture of Tuscany's natural beauty. Since 1993, Baron Francesco Ricasoli has been at the helm of this central Tuscan company, guiding it through innovative challenges. His stewardship is characterized by a deep respect for his ancestors, notably Bettino Ricasoli, who have played significant roles in shaping this territory. Francesco Ricasoli’s leadership has seen the introduction of new ideas and concepts aimed at making the vineyards sustainable. He has embarked on an ongoing study of soil types and a clonal selection of the Brolio Sangiovese, demonstrating his passion and commitment to the vineyards. His efforts have led to the total renovation and comprehensive mapping of the vineyards. The new wines, therefore, are the embodiment of the research carried out with the same scientific rigor as his illustrious ancestor but with a contemporary spirit. Like a runner receiving the baton, Francesco Ricasoli carries it forward with renewed energy, ensuring that the Ricasoli Winery continues to offer wines that are a true expression of their terroir.

Ricasoli, Chianti Classico, 2019

With a history dating back to the 12th century, Ricasoli is a name synonymous with quality and tradition. This winery, nestled in the heart of the Chianti Classico region of Tuscany, Italy, is not only one of the oldest in the world but also the oldest in Italy. The Ricasoli family has been producing wines for nearly a millennium, with the historic Castello di Brolio serving as the enduring symbol of their legacy.

The estate's wines owe their distinctive character to the unique soils in which the grapes are grown. The Sangiovese grapes that make up this Chianti Classico are carefully selected from the estate's three most representative soils: Macigno del Chianti, Scaglia Toscana, and Monte Morello. Each soil lends its own unique characteristics to the wine, resulting in a complex and well-rounded final product.

The 2019 Chianti Classico is a testament to the meticulous attention to detail that goes into every stage of the winemaking process. The Sangiovese grapes were hand-harvested from September 25 to 28, 2019, under optimal conditions to ensure the highest quality. Fermentation and maceration took place in stainless steel tanks at a carefully controlled temperature, with 14-16 days of skin contact to extract the maximum flavor and color from the grapes.

The wine was then aged for 22 months in tonneaux, with 30% new oak and 70% second passage, to add depth and complexity to the flavor profile. Finally, the wine was bottled on March 4 and 5, 2022, marking the end of a process that began with the careful tending of the vineyards and ended with a wine of exceptional quality.

This Chianti Classico is a wine of historical and geographical significance, reflecting the rich legacy of the Ricasoli family and the unique terroir of the Chianti Classico region. With its robust alcohol level of 14%, it is a wine that can be appreciated by both casual wine enthusiasts and seasoned connoisseurs.

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