2023 Barone Ricasoli - Chianti Classico Brolio (750ml)

Barone Ricasoli traces its roots to 1141, making it one of the oldest continuously operating wine estates in the world. The family seat, Castello di Brolio in Gaiole in Chianti, sits at the historic heart of the Chianti Classico zone, and it was here in the nineteenth century that Baron Bettino Ricasoli developed the original formula for Chianti itself. Today the estate is led by Francesco Ricasoli, who pairs the property's long tradition with a precise, detail oriented approach to both vineyard and cellar work.

Brolio comes from vineyards spread across five distinct soil types on the estate, ranging from sandstone and galestro to alberese and sandy marine deposits, planted at elevations between about 280 and 480 meters with southern and southwestern exposures. The blend leans heavily on Sangiovese with a small portion of Colorino added for color and structure. Grapes are hand harvested in early autumn, fermented in stainless steel with indigenous yeasts, and aged for around nine months in French oak tonneaux before a further rest in bottle.

The wine shows a bright ruby red color with aromas of cherry, violet, and iris, joined by a subtle balsamic edge. On the palate it is elegant and well balanced, with velvety, well-integrated tannins and a long, persistent finish that reflects the character of Brolio's terroir. It pairs beautifully with grilled steak, wild boar stew, or roasted lamb.