Ricasoli Brolio Chianti Classico 2020

Ricasoli is probably the oldest surviving winery in the world, first established in 1141 AD. Its prime location in Tuscany, earns the brand a reputation to be the representative image of the famed region. The property includes gentle hills, velvety valleys and thick woodlands of oaks and chestnuts, the 1,200 hectares of property include almost 240 hectares of vineyards and 26 of olive groves. A true Roman gentleman’s dream and a must-visit site for travellers.

For this particular wine, the 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). Grapes used are mostly Sangiovese, but there is 5% blending of Colorino, one of most important Tuscan grape variety traditionally used as blending partner.

Compare to other Tuscan varieties, like Sangiovese or Canaiolo, Colorino has rather small berries. Thus the variety has intense tannin, and deep purple colour pigments, adding to the wine colour, tannic strength and body, possibly also longevity for in bottle development.

2020 vintage was the almost total absence of precipitation, with a total of about 30 mm, extremely dry. No particular vegetative difficulties of the plants were observed in this period, thanks to careful management of the vineyards and soils. Finally, the month of October displayed all its typical characteristics: lower temperatures during the night, and an alternation of rainy and sunny days, which however have allowed an end of the harvest with excellent grape quality.

The pressed grapes are fermented in stainless steel tanks at a controlled temperature of 24°C-27°C. Total, there are 14-16 days of skin contact. Once the wine completes fermentation,  it spends 9 months in tonneaux of second and third passage. These are large vessels made of either oak, chestnut or cherry wood.

The wine has intense ruby red color. Hints of flowers and red fruit aromas emerge. The palate is rich, with smooth tannins and well-balanced acidity. The savory notes are typical of the terroir of Brolio

WineCritics.com Score: 93/100