2020 Barone Ricasoli - Chianti Classico Gran Selezione CeniPrimo

Barone Ricasoli holds the title of Italy's oldest winery, with documented ties between the Ricasoli family and Castello di Brolio stretching back to 1141. The estate's defining moment came in 1872, when Baron Bettino Ricasoli, known as the Iron Baron and twice prime minister of a newly unified Italy, wrote down the original formula for Chianti after three decades of experimentation, a blueprint that still underpins Chianti Classico regulations today. The family sold operations to Seagram in the 1960s but reclaimed full control in 1993 under Francesco Ricasoli, Bettino's great-grandson, who has since focused the estate on quality over volume.

CeniPrimo is one of three single-vineyard crus Ricasoli has identified within its Gaiole holdings, planted in 1998 at 300 meters on silty, fluvial soils in the Arbia valley, the lowest and warmest of the three sites. The 100 percent Sangiovese grapes are hand-picked and fermented with daily punch-downs over roughly two weeks, then aged twenty-two months in 500-liter tonneaux, a mix of new and once-used wood.

The 2020 shows a youthful ruby edging toward magenta, with cedar, kirsch, fresh leather, and candied raspberry over hints of licorice. The palate is refined and velvety, with balanced acidity and a long finish. Pair it with grilled lamb, hearty stews, or aged hard cheese.