Barone Ricasoli Castello di Brolio Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2016
Florence, Tuscany, ItalyGran Selezione is not without its critics, but the 2016 Ricasoli is nothing but a Gran Selezione in the glass. This is Classico at its best, mixing 97 percent sangiovese with 3 percent abrusco, growing in a mix of sandstone, galestro, and albarese. The nose is alive with savoury black plums and red cherries with a subtle saline undercurrent. The structure of acid and tannin provides the perfect support for a dense, full flavoured aftertaste. This a wine you can enjoy now or a cellar for another decade. Beef or mushrooms are the match. Barone Francesco Ricasoli’s family has lived and cared for the castle at Brolio for 32 generations, but Barone Francesco has been instrumental in raising the quality of the vineyards and fruit over his reign. Don’t miss this one.Tasted: 11 September 2023Tasted by: Prices:
Barone Ricasoli Castello di Brolio Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2016
Florence, Tuscany, ItalyThis is classic Classico rife with savoury cherries and plums with a mineral saline undercurrent. The acidity is perfect, and the tannins are dense but sweet. It is a keeper. We ate this with a mushroom pizza, but it will work with a mushroom risotto as it comes of age in 2026 and beyond. Baron Francesco Ricasoli’s family has been living and caring for the castle at Brolio for 32 generations. A selection of individual plots surrounding the castle makes up this sangiovese that gets three percent abrusco to fill out the blend. Post ferment, it spends 18 months in 30 percent new French 900L tonneaux barrels to age without any significant oak influence.Tasted: 12 August 2022Tasted by: Prices:
Barone Ricasoli Castello di Brolio Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2016
Florence, Tuscany, ItalyBaron Francesco Ricasoli is the 32nd generation family member to live on these Tuscan lands and caretake the ancient Brolio castle. Francesco is carrying on the dream with the vision that his ancestor first began 875 years ago. A selection of plots surrounding the castle, this Sangiovese is tipped with 3% Abrusco, rooted in sandstone, galestro, and albarese. After fermentation in stainless, this rested for 18 months in tonneaux (30% new). Structural and stately, with sultry and luring salted dark plum, savoury black cherry, perfumed crushed cassis across a worked leather palate, stony, limestone lofted acidity, and firm, well-integrated and finely grippy tannins framing through the lingering saline, and dried thyme kissed finish—striking wine now (with mushrooms and wild boar), with ample time ahead in your cellar.Tasted: 20 August 2022Tasted by: Prices: