Ricasoli Brolio Chianti Classico DOCG

Chianti Classico DOCG, Tuscany

The vineyards which produce the grapes for the Brolio label are planted in five geological areas at an elevation between 853 feet and 1,640 feet and with different exposures. Vineyard soils vary greatly but all are strewn with stony fragments adding mineral richness. This is characteristic of the structure of the Chianti Classico vintage.

Tasting Notes

Bright ruby red color. The nose is all hints of small red fruits, irises and violets. In the mouth, elegant, with velvety tannins well integrated with acidity. Persistent finish, expression of the territory of Brolio.

The weather conditions were quite unusual on vintage 2021. Despite the frost of last April, the drought suffered in the summer months and the early ripening of the grapes, the wines yield healthy grapes and the quality is excellent.

Fermentation in stainless steel at controlled temperature of 75.2°-80.6°F with 14-16 days of skin contact. Aged 9 months in tonneaux of second and third passage.

Altitude: 280-480 m a.s.l.
Density: 6,600 plants/ha
Exposure: South, Southwest
Training: spurred cordon and guyot South, South East

Vineyards are grown on the five most representative soils in Brolio: Macigno del Chianti (sandstone), Scaglia Toscana (Galestro), Monte Morello (Alberese), Marine Deposit (sandy deposits and clay at deeper levels) and Ancient Fluvial Terrace (silty deposits with clay).

Grape Varieties: Sangiovese 95% , Colorino 5%
Alcohol by Vol.: 14%
pH: 3.34
Total acidity: 5.53 g/L

The vineyards which produce the grapes for the Brolio label are planted in five geological areas at an elevation between 853 feet and 1,640 feet and with different exposures. Vineyard soils vary greatly but all are strewn with stony fragments adding mineral richness. This is characteristic of the structure of the Chianti Classico vintage.

Tasting Notes

Bright ruby red color. The nose is all hints of small red fruits, irises and violets. In the mouth, elegant, with velvety tannins well integrated with acidity. Persistent finish, expression of the territory of Brolio.

Autumn was very rainy and quite cold. Winter was mild and not particularly rainy. Spring therefore continued with average temperatures and scarce rainfall. What characterized the summer of 2020 was the almost total absence of precipitation, with a total of about 1.2 in. No particular vegetative difficulties of the plants were observed in this period, thanks to a careful management of the vineyards and soils. Finally, the month of October displayed all its typical characteristics: lower temperatures during the night, an alternation of rainy and sunny days, which however have allowed an end of the harvest with excellent grape quality.

Fermentation in stainless steel at controlled temperatures between 75.2°F and 80.6°F with 14-16 days of skin contact. Aged 9 months in tonneaux of second and third passage.

The vineyards which produce the grapes for the Brolio label are planted in five geological areas at an elevation between 853 feet and 1,640 feet and with different exposures. Vineyard soils vary greatly but all are strewn with stony fragments adding mineral richness. This is characteristic of the structure of the Chianti Classico vintage.

GRAPE VARIETIES: Sangiovese 95% , Colorino 5%
Alcohol by Vol.: 13.5%
pH: 3.37
Total acidity: 5.42 g/L

The vineyards which produce the grapes for the Brolio label are planted in five geological areas at an elevation between 853 feet and 1,640 feet and with different exposures. Vineyard soils vary greatly but all are strewn with stony fragments adding mineral richness. This is characteristic of the structure of the Chianti Classico vintage.

Tasting Notes

Bright ruby red color. The nose is all hints of small red fruits, irises and violets. In the mouth, elegant, with velvety tannins well integrated with acidity. Persistent finish, expression of the territory of Brolio.

The 2019 vintage followed yet another seasonal trend of its own. The autumn featured mild temperatures and slightly less rain than usual in that period of the year. Winter started off quite mild as well, then in January came on the scene in its traditional guise, with temperatures below zero and heavy snowfall at the end of that month. Spring began with rising temperatures, but in May these plummeted with lows below 44-46°F accompanied by daily rains. This combination of factors had a major impact on the flowering of the plants, favoring the formation of more open bunches, especially in the Sangiovese grapes. From early June, a fairly dry and warm period began, with maximum temperatures often above 95°C, but interspersed occasionally by short and intense rains.

Fermentation in stainless steel at controlled temperatures between 75.2°F and 80.6°F with 14-16 days of skin contact.

The vineyards which produce the grapes for the Brolio label are planted in five geological areas at an elevation between 853 feet and 1,640 feet and with different exposures. Vineyard soils vary greatly but all are strewn with stony fragments adding mineral richness. This is characteristic of the structure of the Chianti Classico vintage.

80% Sangiovese, 15% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon

The vineyards which produce the grapes for the Brolio label are planted in five geological areas at an elevation between 853 feet and 1,640 feet and with different exposures. Vineyard soils vary greatly but all are strewn with stony fragments adding mineral richness. This is characteristic of the structure of the Chianti Classico vintage.

Tasting Notes

Bright ruby red color. The nose is all hints of small red fruits, irises and violets. On the palate, elegant, with velvety tannins well integrated with acidity. Persistent finish, expression of the the territory of Brolio.

Overall, 2018 was a complex harvest due to the climate trends, which tended to be more humid than average in the past, but with excellent summer temperatures and a very dry period in the months of September and October. Thanks to good underground water supplies, the plants never suffered water stress and ripened regularly. The quality of the grapes was of a very high standard, which leads us to hope for a high-quality wine.

Fermentation in stainless steel at controlled temperatures between 75.2°F and 80.6°F with 14-16 days of skin contact.

The vineyards which produce the grapes for the Brolio label are planted in five geological areas at an elevation between 853 feet and 1,640 feet and with different exposures. Vineyard soils vary greatly but all are strewn with stony fragments adding mineral richness. This is characteristic of the structure of the Chianti Classico vintage.

80% Sangiovese, 15% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon

The vineyards which produce the grapes for the Brolio label are planted in five geological areas at an elevation between 853 feet and 1,640 feet and with different exposures. Vineyard soils vary greatly but all are strewn with stony fragments adding mineral richness. This is characteristic of the structure of the Chianti Classico vintage.

Tasting Notes

Intense ruby red color.  Complex aromas of iris and violets, red fruit and balsamic scents.  Soft, elegant and well-smoothed tannins in the mouth.  A true expression of the territory with well-balanced acidity and mineral tannins, before finishing long.

The autumn and winter were very mild this year, with below-freezing temperatures only in part of January. It was rainy, about 440 mm. In the spring, temperatures were average, with the end of May and early June hot but humid. This diminished the fruit set causing a thinning effect in the clusters that was good for the Sangiovese. Two hailstorms at the end of May also led to loss of flowers, thus reducing per-plant growth. Summer was hot and dry. End-July and Mid-August rains gave some relief to the plants, helping them during the period of veraison.  Harvest began in early September, with temperatures mid-to-high for that period of the year during the day and a drop of as much as 10-15°Cat nights, favoring the accumulation of phenolic compounds.

Fermentation in stainless steel at controlled temperatures between 75.2°F and 80.6°F with 14-16 days of skin contact.

The vineyards which produce the grapes for the Brolio label are planted in five geological areas at an elevation between 853 feet and 1,640 feet and with different exposures. Vineyard soils vary greatly but all are strewn with stony fragments adding mineral richness. This is characteristic of the structure of the Chianti Classico vintage.

80% Sangiovese, 15% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon

The vineyards which produce the grapes for the Brolio label are planted in five geological areas at an elevation between 853 feet and 1,640 feet and with different exposures. Vineyard soils vary greatly but all are strewn with stony fragments adding mineral richness. This is characteristic of the structure of the Chianti Classico vintage.

Tasting Notes

Intense ruby red color with complex aromas of iris and violets, red fruit, and balsamic scents. Soft, elegant and well-smoothed tannins – a true expression of the territory with well-balanced acidity and minerals and a long finish.

The Autumn and Winter were very mild this year, with below-freezing temperatures only in part of January. Spring, temperatures were average, with the end of May and early June hot but humid. This diminished the fruit set causing a thinning effect in the clusters that was good for the Sangiovese. Two hailstorms at the end of May also led to the loss of flowers, thus reducing per-plant growth. Summer was hot and dry and late-July and mid-August rains gave some relief to the plants, helping them during the period of veraison. Harvest began in early September, with temperatures mid-to-high for that period of the year during the day and dropping to mid-50s at night helping with the accumulation of phenolic compounds.

Fermentation in stainless steel at controlled temperatures between 75.2°F and 80.6°F followed by 9 months in tonneaux.

80% Sangiovese, 15% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon

  • 20240125

    90

    points

    Jeb Dunnuck, January 2024

    "The 2021 Chianti Classico Brolio is a bright ruby color and is fresh and inviting with aromas of fresh red cherry, orange peel, fresh herbs, and wet stones. Bright and refreshing, the palate is medium-bodied, with ultrafine tannins, a mineral-toned texture, and a clean finish. It is a very nice entry wine that I would prefer to drink now for its snappy refreshment, although it should hold up well over the coming 4-6 years."

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  • 20230807

    91

    points

    James Suckling, August 2023

    "Lovely sweet berry and orange zest aromas that follow through to a medium to full body with crunchy fruit and a stony undertone. A year more of bottle age will make it even better."

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  • 2023-02-09

    90

    points

    Wine Advocate, February 2023

    "Francesco Ricasoli hits it out of the ballpark even on his entry-level wines. The 2020 Chianti Classico Brolio is a terrific value with really nice, clean and simple lines. This is a classic blend of 95% Sangiovese and 5% Colorino, perfect for everyday drinking. It offers cherry, blue flower and earthy aromas, and it shows refreshing acidity too. Even more of an accomplishment is the fact that production is so large, at 390,000 bottles released."

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  • 2022-09-30

    90

    points

    Wine Spectator, September 2022

    "This juicy red is marked by cherry, tomato leaf and olive flavors. Boasts bright acidity, with dusty tannins flexing on the finish. A linear, well-delineated version. Sangiovese and Colorino. Best from 2023 through 2029. 32,500 cases made, 2,600 cases imported."

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  • 2022-06-15

    92

    points

    James Suckling, June 2022

    "Aromas of dark cherries, mocha, leather and tea leaves. It’s medium-bodied with fine tannins. Lively and fresh, with lots of red cherries and berries on the center-palate and a flavorful finish. Typical for an outstanding Chianti Classico. Drink now."

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  • 2022-04-11

    88

    points

    Wine Enthusiast, April 2022

    "This opens with delicate aromas of mocha, tobacco and baking spice. The tense palate offers blackberry jam, espresso and star anise alongside tightly wound tannins. Drink 2023–2027."

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  • 2021-10-31

    88

    points

    Wine Spectator, October 2021

    "The core of cherry and raspberry flavors is wrapped in fine-grained tannins. Earth, rosemary and iron notes chime in on the moderately long finish. Drink now. 48,300 cases made, 2,000 cases imported."

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  • 2021-09-22

    88

    points

    Vinous, September 2021

    "The 2019 Chianti Classico is a very pretty, understated wine to drink now and over the next decade or so. Crushed flowers, sweet red berry, mint and cedar lend lovely aromatic presence to this fruity, inviting Chianti Classico from Brolio."

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  • 2021-05-25

    91

    points

    James Suckling, May 2021

    "A succulent, fruity red with dried-cherry and orange-peel aromas and flavors. It’s medium-to full-bodied with fine yet round tannins and a juicy, fruity finish. Drink now."

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  • 2021-04-15

    89

    points

    Wine Advocate, April 2021

    "This is one of the most celebrated classics to emerge from the entire appellation. The Barone Ricasoli 2018 Chianti Classico Brolio reveals balanced tones of red fruit, cassis, crushed stone, grilled herb and blue flowers. These aromas find balance and harmony with plenty of primary fruit and a good amount of snappy acidity. I could see a pairing with a platter of pecorino cheese wedges."

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  • 2020-08-01

    92

    points

    Vinous, August 2020

    "The 2018 Chianti Classico shows just how appealing the vintage is even among entry-level wines. Freshly cut flowers and bright red fruit run through this super-attractive mid-weight Chianti Classico. The 2018 is floral, lifted and very easy to like. Cedar, tobacco and spice accents linger on the close."

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  • 2020-07-02

    92

    points

    James Suckling, July 2020

    "Lovely, pure fruit to this with light, polished tannins, medium body and a pretty, cherry and strawberry aftertaste. Drink now."

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  • 2021-02-01

    91

    points

    Wine Enthusiast, February 2021

    "Blue flower, forest berry, new leather and underbrush aromas form the alluring nose. Smooth and juicy, the savory palate doles out ripe black cherry, plum, licorice and a hint of espresso alongside supple tannins. Drink through 2024."

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  • 2019-09-19

    88

    points

    Wine Advocate, September 2019

    "This is a fun and easy-drinking wine for informal occasions with your favorite Italian dishes. The 2017 Chianti Classico Brolio is a mid-weight red that opens to a rich ruby color and bright garnet highlights. The bouquet is perfectly clean and pristine, something that can't always be said of entry-level Sangiovese. This wine has crossed all its T's and dotted all the I's. The bouquet is rich and forthcoming with wild berry, blackberry and plum. Fresh acidity pops in on the finish. The blend used here is 80% Sangiovese, 15% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. A very generous 460,000 bottles were made, and this price point hits that value wine sweet spot."

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  • 2019-06-18

    92

    points

    James Suckling, June 2019

    "A very fruity and fresh Chianti Classico that shows lemon and orange rind, in addition to strawberries and spices. Refined and minerally on the palate with a bright sheen of acidity and a taut finish. Drink now."

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  • 2018-09-11

    92

    Points

    James Suckling, September 2018

    "Rich aromas of black cherries, raspberries and hazelnuts. Hints of caramel, too. Full body, velvety and polished tannins and a bright, glorious finish. Drink or hold."

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TRADE & MEDIA ASSETS /////////////////

2021 Ricasoli Brolio Chianti Classico DOCG – Vintage Notes

2020 Ricasoli Brolio Chianti Classico DOCG – 92 pts, James Suckling – Sales Sheet

2020 Ricasoli Brolio Chianti Classico DOCG – 90 pts, Wine Advocate – Sales Sheet

2020 Ricasoli Brolio Chianti Classico DOCG – Vintage Notes

2019 Ricasoli Brolio Chianti Classico DOCG-JS91 Sell Sheet

Ricasoli Brolio Chianti Classico DOCG – Bottle – New

2019 Ricasoli Brolio Chianti Classico DOCG-Vintage Notes

2018 Ricasoli Brolio Chianti Classico DOCG-Vintage Notes

2017 Ricasoli Brolio Chianti Classico DOCG-JS92-Sell Sheet

2017 Ricasoli Brolio Chianti Classico DOCG-WA88-Sell Sheet

2016 Ricasoli Brolio Chianti Classico DOCG-WS87 Sell Sheet

Ricasoli Brolio Chianti Classico DOCG-Label

2017 Ricasoli Brolio Chianti Classico DOCG-Vintage Notes

2016 Ricasoli Brolio Chianti Classico DOCG-Label

2016 Ricasoli Brolio Chianti Classico DOCG-JS92 Sell Sheet

2015 Ricasoli Brolio Chianti Classico DOCG-VN90 Sell Sheet

2015 Ricasoli Brolio Chianti Classico DOCG-Vintage Notes

2015 Ricasoli Brolio Chianti Classico DOCG-Label

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Ricasoli Brolio Chianti Classico DOCG – Bottle – Old