Ricasoli CeniPrimo Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG

Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG, Tuscany

CeniPrimo is located on an Ancient Fluvial Terrace geological formation. The smallest of the three vineyards, only 6 hectares in all, it lies at 300 meters above sea level and has a southwestern exposure. Grapes are handpicked and then selected: only perfect clusters become CeniPrimo.

Tasting Notes

Ruby red color. The nose is ethereal, with hints of cherry, light balsamic notes and sweet almond. In the mouth, it is voluminous, with well-structured and typical tannins of the ancient river terrace 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 30 mm. 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 temperature 75-80°F with daily punching. Duration of fermentation and maceration on the skins about 14-16 days. Aged 22 months in 500-litre tonneaux of which 30% new and 70% second passage.

Planted in: 1998
Surface Area: 6,35 ha
Altitudine: 300 m s.l.m.
Exposure: South-Ovest
Density: 5952 plants/ha
Training: spurred cordon
Clones: Sangiovese VCR23, VCR5, R24
Rootstock: 420A

This Cru grows on the great valley of the River Arbia, in the southernmost part of the property. The soil, very distinctive and complex, originates from an ancient river terrace dating back to the Pliocene-Pleistocene epochs. These are silty deposits, little evidence of stone, with the presence of clay, a little limestone and poor in organic matter.

Alcohol: 14.50%
Total acidity: 5.83 g/L
ph: 3.18
Non-Reducing Extract: 26.82 g/L
Total Polyphenols (in Gallic acid ): 2391 mg/L

CeniPrimo is located on an Ancient Fluvial Terrace geological formation. The smallest of the three vineyards, only 6 hectares in all, it lies at 300 meters above sea level and has a southwestern exposure. Grapes are handpicked and then selected: only perfect clusters become CeniPrimo.

Tasting Notes

Ruby red color. The nose is ethereal, with hints of cherry, light balsamic notes and sweet almond. In the mouth, it is voluminous, with well-structured and typical tannins of the ancient river terrace of Brolio.

The 2018-2019 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 however January came 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. From early June, a fairly dry and warm period began, with maximum temperatures often above 95°F, but interspersed occasionally by short and intense rains.

Fermentation temperature 75-80°F with daily punching. Duration of fermentation and maceration on the skins about 14-16 days. Aged 22 months in 500-litre tonneaux of which 30% new and 70% second passage.

Planted in: 1998
Surface Area: 6,35 ha
Altitudine: 300 m s.l.m.
Exposure: South-Ovest
Density: 5952 plants/ha
Training: spurred cordon
Clones: Sangiovese VCR23, VCR5, R24
Rootstock: 420A

This Cru grows on the great valley of the River Arbia, in the southernmost part of the property. The soil, very distinctive and complex, originates from an ancient river terrace dating back to the Pliocene-Pleistocene epochs. These are silty deposits, little evidence of stone, with the presence of clay, a little limestone and poor in organic matter.

Alcohol: 14.50%
Total acidity: 6.06 g/L
ph: 3.35
Non-Reducing Extract: 26.87 g/L
Total Polyphenols (in Gallic acid ): 2160 mg/L

Intense on the nose, fresh fruit and violets, good structure and volume. Elegant and well-developed tannic content, balsamic notes. Yet again a pure Sangiovese that reveals all the magnificent qualities of this grape. This is further exalted by the small size of the vineyard whose name it bears, which lies in the great valley of the Arbia River, in the southern part of the property. CeniPrimo is located on an Ancient Fluvial Terrace geological formation. The smallest of the three vineyards, only 6 hectares in all, it lies at 300 meters above sea level and has a southwestern exposure. Grapes are handpicked and then selected: only perfect clusters become CeniPrimo.

Tasting Notes

Ruby red color. The nose is ethereal, with cherry, light balsamic notes and sweet almonds. The voluminous palate, with well-structured tannins, reveals the characteristics of the area.

Overall, we can state that 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.

Fermentation temperature 75-80°F with daily punching. Duration of fermentation and maceration on the skins about 14-16 days.

100% Sangiovese

Intense on the nose, fresh fruit and violets, good structure and volume. Elegant and well-developed tannic content, balsamic notes. Yet again a pure Sangiovese that reveals all the magnificent qualities of this grape. This is further exalted by the small size of the vineyard whose name it bears, which lies in the great valley of the Arbia River, in the southern part of the property. CeniPrimo is located on an Ancient Fluvial Terrace geological formation. The smallest of the three vineyards, only 6 hectares in all, it lies at 300 meters above sea level and has a southwestern exposure. Grapes are handpicked and then selected: only perfect clusters become CeniPrimo.

Tasting Notes

Ruby red color. The nose is ethereal, with cherry, light balsamic notes and sweet almonds. The voluminous palate, with well-structured tannins, reveals the characteristics of the area.

This was an atypical year, perhaps unlike any ever registered. Winter was fairly mild and warm. The frost that arrived on April 18-20, the drought, the extreme heat that lasted for more than two months, all scorched the earth and the grapevines. For this reason, the leaf removal typically carried out before grape harvest was avoided; instead, the grapevines were left “untidy”, only slightly trimmed, to protect the fruit from the rays of the sun. At the end of August and the first ten days of September, rains came and the temperatures dropped drastically, all the way to the seasonal average.

Harvesting and selection of the best grapes in the vineyard by hand. Transport to the winery in 200- kg bins. The grapes are destemmed and transferred by gravity into 100-hl stainless steel open tanks and then inoculated with selected yeasts. Fermentation temperature 24-27°C with daily punching. Duration of fermentation and maceration on the skins about 14-16 days.

100% Sangiovese

Intense on the nose, fresh fruit and violets, good structure and volume. Elegant and well-developed tannic content, balsamic notes. Yet again a pure Sangiovese that reveals all the magnificent qualities of this grape. This is further exalted by the small size of the vineyard whose name it bears, which lies in the great valley of the Arbia River, in the southern part of the property. CeniPrimo is located on an Ancient Fluvial Terrace geological formation. The smallest of the three vineyards, only 6 hectares in all, it lies at 300 meters above sea level and has a southwestern exposure. Grapes are handpicked and then selected: only perfect clusters become CeniPrimo.

Tasting Notes

A beautiful nose with tangerine peel, strawberries, rose petals, boysenberries, cranberries, red plums, red cherries and dark spices. Very grainy and refined on the palate with a real kick from the orange-rind undertones that permeate the entire palate. Tiptoes like a tightrope walker between power and finesse and executes its mission nearly to perfection. (credits: JamesSuckling.com 2019)

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.

Harvesting and selection of the best grapes in the vineyard by hand. Transport to the winery in 200- kg bins. The grapes are destemmed and transferred by gravity into 100-hl stainless steel open tanks and then inoculated with selected yeasts. Fermentation temperature 24-27°C with daily punching. Duration of fermentation and maceration on the skins about 14-16 days. Wine is aged 18 months in 500-litre tonneaus of which 30% new and 70% second passage.

100% Sangiovese

Intense on the nose, fresh fruit and violets, good structure and volume. Elegant and well-developed tannic content, balsamic notes. Yet again a pure Sangiovese that reveals all the magnificent qualities of this grape. This is further exalted by the small size of the vineyard whose name it bears, which lies in the great valley of the Arbia River, in the southern part of the property. CeniPrimo is located on an Ancient Fluvial Terrace geological formation. The smallest of the three vineyards, only 6 hectares in all, it lies at 300 meters above sea level and has a southwestern exposure. Grapes are handpicked and then selected: only perfect clusters become CeniPrimo.

Tasting Notes

Intense ruby red color with slight garnet hues. Red fruits and delicate balsamic notes. Begins soft in the mouth, velvety and voluminous. The tannin is embracing, elegant and perfectly balanced with the acidity. A long, persistent finish, with character: an unique expression of Brolio’s ancient fluvial terrace.

The growing season 2014/2015 was quite regular without extreme events. Winter was mild with temperatures falling to freezing only at the end of December and in January and February. Spring was also regular. Although a little cold at the beginning, temperatures began to rise and were average afterwards. May and June were warm favoring a perfect flowering and veraison. Rainfall was not excessive, about 150 mm. Summer began earlier, with high temperatures already at the end of June when we recorded peaks of even 34?35 °C (93.2?95°F). July was also particularly warm, above all in the first decade, with peaks of even 40°C (104°F). Rainfall was scarce (about 100 mm, but the good water supplies during the winter and spring months prevented drought stress. September and October showed perfect weather conditions, with significant day?to?night temperature ranges, favoring the accumulation of color and polyphenols in the grapes.

Harvesting and selection of the best grapes in the vineyard by hand. Transport to the winery in 200- kg bins. The grapes are destemmed and transferred by gravity into 100-hl stainless steel open tanks and then inoculated with selected yeasts. Fermentation temperature 24-27°C with daily punching. Duration of fermentation and maceration on the skins about 14-16 days.  Wine is stored 18 months in 500-litre tonneaus of which 30% new and 70% second passage.

100% Sangiovese

  • 20240125

    94

    points

    Jeb Dunnuck, January 2024

    "A youthful and reflective ruby into magenta, the 2020 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione CeniPrimo opens to layered aromas of cedar, kirsch, fresh leather, candied raspberry, and sweet licorice. Medium to full-bodied, it’s refined and plush on the palate, with a velvety texture that never feels heavy, clean, balanced acidity, and a long finish. This is a gorgeous, very high-quality offering to enjoy over the next 15 to 20 years."

    Close Review

    Read Full Review

  • 20230807

    97

    points

    James Suckling, August 2023

    "Aromas of al dente cherries with citrus peel. Flowers, such as red roses, also come through clearly. Medium to full body, with open grain tannins that caress like cashmere. Chewy, fresh and vivid. Give this three to five years to come together. Try after 2027."

    Close Review

    Read Full Review

  • 2023-09-21

    95

    points

    Wine Advocate, September 2023

    "The Barone Ricasoli 2020 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Castello di Brolio CeniPrimo opens to a medium-dark saturated appearance and a slightly more concentrated feel that translates into aromas of cherry liqueur, blackberry, spice and sweet earth. This wine carries a little more fruit weight and textural richness thanks to lower-elevation vineyards and silty riverbed soils. However, this wine also offers a spot of vibrant freshness on the close, and that makes a big difference in a warm vintage like this. It remains meticulously balanced throughout. Production is 11,000 bottles."

    Close Review

    Read Full Review

  • 2023-07-01

    94

    points

    Wine Spectator, July 2023

    "A complex, focused red marked by enticing aromas of cherry, black currant, violet, mineral and spices. Dry and bracing, with a firm, mineral-infused finish. Shows fine balance and a lingering aftertaste, where the fruit, mineral and savory elements converge. Best from 2025 through 2043. 916 cases made, 350 cases imported."

    Close Review

    Read Full Review

  • 2023-02-09

    96

    points

    Wine Advocate, February 2023

    "Barone Ricasoli has successful brought out the individual character of each of its Gran Selezione wines. This sample sees fruit from sandy and silty soils in the Val d'Arbia at lower elevations (ranging from 280 to 300 meters above sea level). The 2019 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Castello di Brolio CeniPrimo is a wine of structure and concentration with generous layers of dark fruit, spice, earth and candied cherry. CeniPrimo focuses on dark fruit and texture."

    Close Review

    Read Full Review

  • 2022-06-01

    96

    points

    Wine Spectator, June 2022

    "Super spicy from the aromas through the finish, this red is sleek and taut. Features strawberry, currant, cherry and earth flavors, peppery spices and a kick of vanilla on the firm finish. Though delicate, there is no lack of intensity. Best from 2025 through 2042. From Italy."

    Close Review

    Read Full Review

  • 2022-01-01

    99

    points

    James Suckling, January 2022

    "This has an intensely perfumed nose of lavender, sandalwood, dried cherries, blueberries, creme de cassis, bay leaves, walnuts and stones. Full-bodied with polished, well-integrated tannins and a layered, silky and concentrated core of spiced and herbed fruit. Long. Intense. Fantastic already, but better in 2026."

    Close Review

    Read Full Review

  • 2022-04-11

    91

    points

    Wine Enthusiast, April 2022

    "This offers aromas of mocha, dark-skinned fruit and French oak. The mature palate features prune, sage and espresso alongside dusty, rather drying tannins. Drink 2023–2030."

    Close Review

    Read Full Review

  • 2021-10-15

    90

    points

    Wine Spectator, October 2021

    "Sour cherry and plum flavors highlight this firm, dry red. A touch of oak adds spice, while earth and tobacco accents join the party. Well-balanced overall, this should come together in a year or two. Best from 2023 through 2030. 500 cases made, 50 cases imported."

    Close Review

    Read Full Review

  • 2021-09-22

    91

    points

    Vinous, September 2021

    "The 2018 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione CeniPrimo is marked by strong earthy, mineral and savory flavors that lend quite a bit of complexity to the dark Sangiovese notes. Muscular tannins need time to soften. The CeniPrimo is decidedly virile in personality and overall feel."

    Close Review

    Read Full Review

  • 2021-05-25

    100

    points

    James Suckling, May 2021

    "This is amazing Chianti Classico. Perhaps the greatest I have ever tasted. The aromas are so complex with crushed cherries, sour cherries, peaches, bark and hints of meat. Incredible finish with such intensity and beauty. Hard not to drink, but one for the cellar. Best after 2024."

    Close Review

    Read Full Review

  • 2021-04-15

    94

    points

    Wine Advocate, April 2021

    "Presenting an extremely elegant mid-weight style, the Barone Ricasoli 2017 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Castello di Brolio CeniPrimo dances across the senses with grace and softness despite any preconceptions concerning this hot, not always easy vintage. The wine opens beautifully in the glass and tastes even better the next day. Delicate forest berry, cassis, dried herbs and crushed flowers give the wine a lot of material that is presented to the senses in careful stages."

    Close Review

    Read Full Review

  • 2021-02-01

    92

    points

    Wine Enthusiast, February 2021

    "Aromas of fragrant purple flowers, baked plum and a whiff of pipe tobacco form the inviting nose. Elegantly structured, the youthfully austere palate features dried black cherry, licorice and orange zest framed in tightly wound, fine-grained tannins. It closes on a coffee bean note. Drink 2023–2029."

    Close Review

    Read Full Review

  • 2020-08-01

    92

    points

    Vinous, August 2020

    "Dark cherry, leather, spice, menthol, rose petal and cedar flesh out in the 2017 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione CeniPrimo. Powerful and intense in the glass, with notable density to match its vertical feel, the 2017 remains pretty approachable. It will drink nicely with minimal cellaring."

    Close Review

    Read Full Review

  • 2020-07-02

    96

    points

    James Suckling, July 2020

    "This is very perfumed and fruity with cherries, light currants and just a hint of vanilla. It’s medium-bodied with tight, polished and silky tannins and a flavorful finish. Creamy and refined, yet structured. Subtle and very, very long. Drink or hold."

    Close Review

    Read Full Review

  • 2020-08-19

    93

    points

    Wine Spectator, August 2020

    "Rich, with a sumptuous texture enveloping the cherry, plum, iron and tobacco flavors. The silky feel gives way to dusty tannins as this red plays out on the long finish. The aftertaste echoes iron and tobacco notes, leaving a mouthwatering impression. Drink now through 2036."

    Close Review

    Read Full Review

  • 2019-09-19

    96

    points

    Wine Advocate, September 2019

    "This is the third of the single-vineyard Gran Selezione wines now being offered by Barone Ricasoli. Of the three, the 2016 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Castello di Brolio CeniPrimo is my favorite. This is also 100% Sangiovese and 6,000 bottles were made. The bouquet is bright and direct with a slightly wild or untamed side. I picked up notes of crushed white pepper and rosemary essence. You also get a distinct mineral note of slate or black rock. All this tops off a plummy fruit core in this pretty wine. Pair it with a Tuscan sausage and bean dish."

    Close Review

    Read Full Review

  • 2019-06-18

    99

    points

    James Suckling, June 2019

    "A beautiful nose with tangerine peel, strawberries, rose petals, boysenberries, cranberries, red plums, red cherries and dark spices. Very grainy and refined on the palate with a real kick from the orange-rind undertones that permeate the entire palate. Tiptoes like a tightrope walker between power and finesse and executes its mission nearly to perfection. Drink now or hold."

    Close Review

    Read Full Review

  • 2019-12-31

    92

    points

    Wine Spectator, December 2019

    "There is a warmth to this red, beginning with aromas of leather and earth, and leading to sweet ripe cherry, almond and tobacco flavors. Balanced and well-structured, featuring a lingering aftertaste of mineral, tobacco, leather and spice notes. Best from 2022 through 2035. 3,570 cases made, 675 cases imported"

    Close Review

    Read Full Review

  • 2019-06-18

    98

    points

    James Suckling, June 2019

    "Great purity of sangiovese with cherry, plum and fresh flowers. Hints of orange peel. Ash. Balsamico. Full body, with super velvety and fine-grained tannins. Glorious finish. Transparent and beautiful. Love the finish."

    Close Review

    Read Full Review

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

2020 Ricasoli CeniPrimo Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG – 95 points, Wine Advocate – Sell Sheet

2020 Ricasoli CeniPrimo Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG – 95 points, Wine Advocate – Shelftalker

2020 Ricasoli CeniPrimo Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG – 94 points, Wine Spectator – Sell Sheet

2020 Ricasoli CeniPrimo Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG – 94 points, Wine Spectator – Shelftalker

2020 Ricasoli CeniPrimo Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG – Vintage Notes

2019 Ricasoli CeniPrimo Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG – 96 pts, Wine Spectator – Sales Sheet

2019 Ricasoli CeniPrimo Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG – 96 pts, Wine Advocate – Sales Sheet

2019 Ricasoli CeniPrimo Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG – 99 points, James Suckling – Sales Sheet

2019 Ricasoli CeniPrimo Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG – Vintage Notes

2018 Ricasoli CeniPrimo Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG-Sell Sheet-JS100

2018 Ricasoli CeniPrimo Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG-Vintage Notes

2017 Ricasoli CeniPrimo Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG-Sell Sheet-WA94

2017 Ricasoli CeniPrimo Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG-Sell Sheet-JS96

2017 Ricasoli CeniPrimo Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG-Sell Sheet-WE92

2017 Ricasoli CeniPrimo Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG-Vintage Notes

2016 Ricasoli CeniPrimo Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG-WA96 Sell Sheet

2016 Ricasoli CeniPrimo Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG-JS99 Sell Sheet

2015 Ricasoli CeniPrimo Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG-JS98 Sell Sheet

2015 Ricasoli CeniPrimo Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG-WS92 Sell Sheet

2016 Ricasoli CeniPrimo Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG-Vintage Notes

Ricasoli CeniPrimo Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG – Label

Ricasoli CeniPrimo Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG – Bottle

2015 Ricasoli CeniPrimo Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG-Vintage Notes

Ricasoli – Logo