The Hedonistic Taster
Ricasoli – Chianti Classico
by L.M. Archer, FWS | Bourgogne+ Champagne Master Level
The Hedonistic Taster provides an intimate format to share industry trade samples with you.
Please enjoy this selection of Ricasoli Chianti Classico wines.
I clearly remember my first Pinot Noir – a Willakenzie from Oregon’s Willamette Valley. And I also distinctly remember my first Bourgogne – a Domaine de Montille Volnay. Why do I remember them? Because they stirred my soul, as does a painting, piano sonata, or poem.
Thanks to a recent tasting hosted by Tina Morey’s #Winestudio, led by wine educator Lyn Farmer, I discovered my first soul-stirring Chianti, produced by Ricasoli.
To understand these wines, you need to understand the noble Ricasoli family, a family steeped in history, tradition, and honor. Winemakers since 1141, they have endured ancient conflicts, ransom, and WW2 bombings.
Brolio Castle and its adjoining 1,200 hectares sits atop a hill in the commune of Gaiole, which includes 240 hectares of vineyards, and 26 hectares of olive groves. Here, Baron Bettino Ricasoli (1809–1880) formulated the first Chianti wine in 1872.
Today’s 32nd Baron of Brolio, Francesco Ricasoli, helms the estate, offering not just wine, but enotourism – including bespoke tastings, tours, an 18th-century guesthouse, formal gardens, and traditional osteria serving regional cuisine.
Clearly, these Ricasoli wines embody beauty, harmony, and finesse. Salute!
Disclaimer: No compensation is received; all opinions expressed are that of the author.
TASTING NOTES:
Wine: Brolio Chianti Classico
Vintage: 2016
Alcohol: 13.5 %
Producer Specs:
- The flagship and consequently most important wine, defining the house style with maximum consistency over time.
- Sangiovese 80%, Merlot 15%, Cabernet Sauvignon 5%.
- Aging: 9 months in 2nd and 3rd year barrels, plus 3 to 6 months in bottle.
Suggested Retail: $ 30
Robe: Dark black-tinged garnet robe.
Nose: Blackberry, suis bois, blueberry, capsicum aromas.
Bouche: Dark cherry bouche. Light body, Well-balanced, young tannins, soft finish.
TASTING NOTES:
Wine: Brolio Chianti Classico Riserva
Vintage: 2016
Alcohol: 14%
Producer Specs:
- A careful selection of the best barrels of Brolio, made just before blending the vintage wine.
- Sangiovese 80%, Merlot15%, Cabernet Sauvignon 5%.
- Aging: 18 months in 1st and 2nd year barrels, plus 6 months in bottle.
Suggested Retail: $ 35
Robe: Glorious clarion garnet robe.
Nose: Dried cherry , floral, red currant aromas.
Bouche: Wow. Red fruits carry through on the bouche. Light body, elegant acids, refined tannins, elegant finish. A keeper.
TASTING NOTES:
Wine: Castello di Brolio Gran Selezione
Vintage: 2010
Alcohol: 14.5%
Link to Producer Specs:
- The most iconic Chianti Classico Gran Selezione, produced with the best Sangiovese, and only in the best vintages.
- Sangiovese 90%, CabernetSauvignon 5%, Petit Verdot 5%.
- Aging: 21 months in 30% 1st year and 2nd year tonneau, plus 12 months in bottle.
Suggested Retail: $ 70
Robe: Deep ruby red robe.
Nose: Eucalyptus, tomato leaf, fennel notes.
Bouche: Light body, exquisite structure. Soul stirring, slipstream of perfection. Life is better because of this wine. Easily on par with any Grand Cru from Burgundy. Bravo.
TASTING NOTES:
Wine: Castello di Brolio Gran Selezione
Vintage: 2015
Alcohol: 14%
Suggested Retail: $ 70
Robe: Deep purple, garnet-rimmed robe.
Nose: Fig, basalmic, morel mushroom, black tea notes.
Bouche: Light-medium body, solid structure; plush black cherry, cocoa, damson plum bouche, lengthy finish.
TASTING NOTES:
Wine: Ricasoli Caselferro
Vintage: 2008
Alcohol: 14%
Producer Specs: Single vineyard Super Tuscan Cru of 100% Merlot
Suggested Retail: $ 70
Robe: Deep purple-tinged garnet robe.
Nose: Umami bomb. Tomato leaf, basil, black pepper, licorice, tamari nose.
Bouche: Not your Mama’s Merlot. Light- medium body; seamless structure; mint, balsamic bouche.
TASTING NOTES:
Wine: Ricasoli Caselferro
Vintage: 2011
Alcohol: 14.5%
Producer Specs: Single vineyard Super Tuscan Cru of 100% Merlot.
Suggested Retail: $ 70
Robe: Inky, garnet robe.
Nose: Morel mushroom, tarragon, umami-rich basalmic notes.
Bouche: Light body, lithe structure; savory, red cherry bouche.
TASTING NOTES:
Wine: Ricasoli Colledilà Gran Selezione
Vintage: 2015
Alcohol: 14%
Suggested Retail: $ 70
Robe: Deep garnet robe.
Nose: Cherry cordial, English breakfast tea, pomander notes.
Bouche: Bing cherry, pink cherry blossom, lingonberry bouche. Light body, balanced acids, slightly striated tannins on the attack that silken out on the finish. Effortless complexity.
TASTING NOTES:
Wine: Ricasoli Gran Selezione Roncicone
Vintage: 2016
Alcohol: 14%
Producer Specs:
- Aging: 18 months in tonneaux of 500 L, 30% new and 70% of second passage
- Variety: Sangiovese – Brolio Clones
- Soils: Marine deposits of sandy texture, with marine fossils and lignite, and clay at deeper levels.
Suggested Retail: $ 85
Robe: Deep, inky garnet robe.
Nose: Cocoa, herbal, dark fruit notes.
Bouche: Blue fruit, plum, cocoa, orange zest bouche. Surprisingly light-bodied; well-structured, deftly balanced acids/tannins, harmonious finish.
More about Ricasoli here.
Copyright LM Archer. All Rights reserved.