|
|
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More
There's arguably no name more important to the history of Chianti Classico wine than Ricasoli. After all, it was one Bettino Ricasoli, an accomplished Italian statesman and baron, who first devised what would become the Chianti "recipe" in the mid-1800s. That is to say, he was the first to turn the region's focus to Sangiovese, where it has remained ever since.
Now his descendant Francesco Ricasoli runs the family's iconic Castello di Brolio property from which the Chianti category was born, and he has done as much as anyone in guiding the Chianti Classico DOCG into its next era, one where quality and style are rigorously maintained through new rules for production and labeling. The most important of these new steps has been the establishment of the Gran Selezione classification and its attendant regional designations or UGAs. Ricasoli's estate vineyards provide some of the best qualitative expressions of the Gaiole UGA while exemplifying the visionary genius behind the new classification system.
The 2021s take full advantage of this generational benchmark vintage, with a trio of critically acclaimed standouts. The 97-point Gaiole Colledila landed on last year's Wine Spectator Top 100 list. This cru is classic clay-limestone terroir for Sangiovese, resulting in a wine that "shows superb balance and grace, with the best yet to come." The Gaiole Ceniprimo, from sand and silt soils, takes on a fleshier fruit profile from its micro-climate, but the structured tannins suggest cellaring will be immensely beneficial. Finally, the WA97 Gaiole Roncicone "offers energy and a great sense of focus." More linear, refined, and reticent than its stablemates, this wine represents the new era of collectible Chianti Classico at its finest.
As prices for Italy's most renowned collectible wines continue to rise, we expect the Gran Seleziones to take a big step forward in this space, thanks to their skyrocketing quality and relatively affordable prices, with iconic estates like Ricasoli leading the way. |
|
|
This is so classy, with finesse and sensitivity that are so mesmerizing. It’s delicate and almost weightless, with a beautiful and energetic fruit and acid balance. It’s medium-bodied and extremely long. Medium chewy. It goes on and on. Dark cherries, bark and lots of flowers in the finish. Drinkable now, but better in two or three years and beyond.
97 points, James Suckling (Apr 2024)
Ricasoli's flagship wine is a blend of grapes from vineyards in Gaiole on the main soil types of Chianti Classico: macigno (sandstone), galestro and alberese. The fruit is vinified in stainless steel and aged for 22 months in tonneaux, 30% new. Subtle dark cherry and spiced plum notes emerge, followed in the mouth by a gloriously vertical structure where the succulent fruit floats and the zesty edges vibrate with energy. The fruit has wonderful sapidity, and the tannins are supportive but play a background role. Absolute class.
96 points, James Button, Decanter (Jul 2024)
Now identified by the Gaiole subregion on the back label, the Barone Ricasoli 2021 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Gaiole Castello di Brolio reveals a beautiful bouquet that is packed tight with carefully ripened fruit. There is a sweet spot in terms of aromas with a hint of candied cherry that is folded into iris root, dried mint and spice. This generous Sangiovese ends with lasting freshness.
95 points, Monica Larner, Wine Advocate (Jul 2024)
A core of ripe cherry, plum and pomegranate pervades this vibrant, complex red. A balanced version, with a firm grip on the finish complementing its fresh acidity. The long aftertaste echoes the fruit and evokes mineral and Mediterranean scrub elements. Best from 2026 through 2043. 2,750 cases made, 800 cases imported.
95 points, Bruce Sanderson, Wine Spectator (Oct 2024)
Top Quality Store
