Barone Ricasoli Ceniprimo Chianti Classico DOCG Gran Selezione 2021
(Tuscany, Italy) - [WS 96] [DM 95] [WA 94] [VM 93]

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.

About the Wine:
CeniPrimo is located on an Ancient Fluvial Terrace geological formation. The smallest of the three vineyards, only 6 hectares in all, it lies at 300 meters above sea level and has a southwestern exposure. Grapes are handpicked and then selected: only perfect clusters become CeniPrimo.

Tasting Notes:
Ruby red color. The nose is ethereal, with hints of cherry, light balsamic notes and sweet almond. In the mouth, it is voluminous, with well-structured and typical tannins of the ancient river terrace of Brolio.

Ratings & Reviews:

96 Points Wine Spectator:
"A beam of acidity cuts through this scintillating red, lending energy and driving its cherry, strawberry, mineral and spice flavors. Both ripe and supple, this firms up while playing out on the long and lively finish. All of the elements add up to great potential in 5–7 years. Best from 2027 through 2047. 916 cases made, 500 cases imported." - Bruce Sanderson

95 Points Decanter Magazine:
“The last of Ricasoli's vineyards to be picked, Ceniprimo is located on an ancient fluvial terrace of sand and silt. At 300 metres above sea level, it faces west to southwest. As with all three of Ricasoli’s cru bottlings, this is fermented with selected yeasts indigenous to the Brolio estate, and ages in 500-litre tonneaux of which 30% are new. Medicinal herbs and vanilla weave through dark red cherry. The ripe, dense, fleshy fruit is coated with ample dusty tannins, while zesty, citrussy acidity gives a refreshing, countering lift. It leaves behind resounding suggestions of leather, chinotto and earthy forest roots, and deserves cellaring. (Drink between 2026-2038)." - Michaela Morris (Feb 2024)

94 Points Wine Advocate:
"The Barone Ricasoli 2021 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Gaiole CeniPrimo show softly textured fruit with lots of sweet cherry and raspberry up front. Grapes for this wine come from a vineyard planted in a silty riverbed. As a result of these warm growing conditions, the CeniPrimo usually shows more pulpy fruit, and in the case of this vintage, you also get a high 15% alcohol content." - Monica Larner (July 2024)

93 Points Vinous Media:
"The 2021 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione CeniPrimo is another potent wine from Ricasoli. Here, it is the wine’s breadth and textural presence that stand out most. Dark red-toned fruit, dried flowers, spice and earthy notes abound. I would be tempted to give this a year or two in bottle. (Drink between 2026-2036)." - Antonio Galloni (July 2024)