Barone Ricasoli Colledila Chianti Classico DOCG Gran Selezione 2021
(Tuscany, Italy) - [WS 97, #50 of '24] [WA 96+] [JS 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.

About the Wine:
Colledilà stands out for its complex structure and great, modern elegance. A pure Sangiovese that manages to reveal all the magnificent qualities of this grape that are further exalted by the small dimensions of the vineyard whose name it bears. The soil is a calcareous clay, rocky, rich in calcium carbonate and poor in organic matter. Colledilà vineyard is on a geological formation called Monte Morello, also known as Alberese. Seven hectares in size, it is located at 390 meters above sea level and has a southeastern exposure.

Tasting Notes:
Ruby red color. Intense and elegant nose with ripe plum, wood notes and caramel. Round, silky and elegant in the mouth with velvety tannins, which, together with a crisp acidity, gives a wrapped softening mouthfeel.

Ratings & Reviews:

97 Points Wine Spectator:
"Packed with cherry, raspberry and pomegranate flavors, this red is also succulent and verging on racy in profile, with a deep vein of mineral and peppery spice notes that intensify on the extended finish. Shows superb balance and grace, with the best yet to come. Best from 2027 through 2048. 1,166 cases made, 700 cases imported." - Bruce Sanderson

96+ Points Wine Advocate:
"The Barone Ricasoli 2021 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Gaiole Colledilà opens to dark fruit, but perhaps more significantly, you get a slate-like mineral note that adds focus. That mineral note appears in all these beautiful Gran Selezione wines from vintner Francesco Ricasoli, but in the case of this bottle, it adds a dark or slightly brooding personality. The finish is absolutely savory and salty." - Monica Larner (July 2024)

95 Points - James Suckling:
"Fresh and crunchy with orange peel, cherries, raspberries and hints of raw meat. It’s medium-bodied with medium-round tannins and a succulent finish. Polished and creamy. Lightly chewy and crisp at the end. Drink or hold." (Apr 2024)

94 Points Vinous Media:
"The 2021 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Colledilà is bright, focused and super-expressive. Red-toned fruit, blood orange, mint, spice and rose petal all race across the palate. This vibrant, nuanced Gaiole Gran Selezione has so much to offer. Once again, the Colledilà is the most charming of the Gran Seleziones in this range." - Antonio Galloni (July 2024)