Barone Ricasoli Castello Di Brolio Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG 2021
(Tuscany, Italy) - [JS 97] [WS 95] [WA 95] [VM 94]

About the Estate:
The history of Italy cannot be told without including the prominent contributions of the Ricasoli family, who have produced wine since 1141.  Ricasoli is documented as the oldest winery in Italy and the fourth oldest family business in the world.  A beautiful illustration of the family tree in 1584 is one of the first images of the Chianti area and the family archives include export receipts dating back to the late 1600s.  However, perhaps the most famous historical contribution came from Baron Bettino Ricasoli, who was not only twice the prime minister of Italy, but after 30 years of experimentation and documentation, developed the original formula for the Chianti wine that became the standard for the region.

The heart of the Ricasoli wine production comes from the Brolio castello, a magnificent castle located in the commune of Gaiole in Chianti, which was built as an outpost to defend Florence from the rival city of Siena. Within the estate, ancient cannonballs and even more recent WWII artillery shells have been found, evidence of the historical strategic importance of the castle with views of the entire Chianti Classico area. The 3,000 acre estate includes 580 acres of sustainably farmed vineyards, ranging in altitude from 800 to 1,500 feet. Each plot is harvested and fermented separately with meticulous dedication.

Baron Francesco Ricasoli has been at the helm of the winery since 1993 and with the deepest respect for his renowned ancestors, he has guided the estate in innovation and sustainable vineyard practices. The ongoing study of soil types and the clonal selection of the Brolio Sangiovese are among his greatest passions and he has been responsible for total renovation and re-mapping of the vineyards.  Today, the wines are a reflection of the family’s nine hundred year dedication to quality winemaking and innovation at the Brolio estate.

Tasting Notes:
Ruby red color. The nose is complex and intense, with floral and ripe red fruit scents. The palate is velvety and juicy, with voluminous tannins in perfect balance with the acid component, making this grand vin a pure expression of its territory.

Reviews:

97 Points - James Suckling:
This is so classy, with finesse and sensitivity that are so mesmerizing. It’s delicate and almost weightless, with a beautiful and energetic fruit and acid balance. It’s medium-bodied and extremely long. Medium chewy. It goes on and on. Dark cherries, bark and lots of flowers in the finish. Drinkable now, but better in two or three years and beyond.


95 Points - Wine Spectator:

A core of ripe cherry, plum and pomegranate pervades this vibrant, complex red. A balanced version, with a firm grip on the finish complementing its fresh acidity. The long aftertaste echoes the fruit and evokes mineral and Mediterranean scrub elements. Best from 2026 through 2043. 2,750 cases made, 800 cases imported.

95 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: 

Now identified by the Gaiole subregion on the back label, the Barone Ricasoli 2021 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Gaiole Castello di Brolio reveals a beautiful bouquet that is packed tight with carefully ripened fruit. There is a sweet spot in terms of aromas with a hint of candied cherry that is folded into iris root, dried mint and spice. This generous Sangiovese ends with lasting freshness. 2024 - 2042

94 Points - Vinous Media:
"The 2021 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Castello di Brolio is redolent of red-toned Sangiovese fruit, white pepper, cedar, tobacco, incense and dried herbs. Bright and complex in the glass, with terrific energy, the Riserva is another fine offering from the Ricasoli family. In fact, the 2021 is one of the finest editions I can recall tasting. (Drink between 2024-2036)." - Antonio Galloni (July 2024)