2022 Barone Ricasoli - Chianti Classico Riserva Brolio (750ml)

Barone Ricasoli is rooted at Castello di Brolio, where the Ricasoli family has made wine since 1141, making it one of the oldest continuously operating wineries in the world. The family's most famous vintner, Bettino Ricasoli, who later served as Italy's second prime minister, is credited with formalizing the classic Chianti blend recipe in the 19th century, a formula that still shapes the region's wines today. Francesco Ricasoli took over the estate in 1993 after years of neglect under previous ownership, replanting all 240 hectares of vineyard with superior clones and refocusing the property on quality.

This Riserva draws on hand-harvested fruit grown between 280 and 480 meters, across five distinct soil types found within the Brolio property, from sandstone to clay-rich marine deposits. The blend leans on Sangiovese, filled out with smaller portions of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. After fermenting in temperature-controlled stainless steel with extended skin contact, the wine ages eighteen months in French oak tonneaux before six additional months resting in bottle.

The wine shows an intense ruby color, with a perfumed nose of rosy florals, tart cherry, and cranberry layered over cedar and dried herbs. The palate is medium bodied and elegant, with bright acidity balancing real depth. It pairs well with porchetta, grilled Florentine-style steak, or finocchiona salami.