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B-21 Top Recommendation
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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 true Chianti standouts. The double-96-point 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. Savvy buyers also shouldn't overlook the 2023 Brolio Chianti Classico, a superb, case-buy value choice that offer overperforming quality for everyday enjoyment. "Pure, energetic, and very approachable," this WS92 gem is the epitome of a crowd-pleasing Chianti.
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. |
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A beam of acidity cuts through this scintillating red, lending energy and driving its cherry, strawberry, mineral and spice flavors. Both ripe and supple, this firms up while playing out on the long and lively finish. All of the elements add up to great potential in 5–7 years. Best from 2027 through 2047. 916 cases made, 500 cases imported.
96 points, Bruce Sanderson, Wine Spectator (Oct 2024)
This has lots of energy with a crunchy and vivid sense to it. Sour cherry, orange peel and cedar undertones. It’s medium-bodied, sleek and racy. Super vivid. Drinkable now, but better in a year or two when it comes together. Try from 2026.
96 points, James Suckling (Apr 2024)
The last of Ricasoli's vineyards to be picked, Ceniprimo is located on an ancient fluvial terrace of sand and silt. At 300 metres above sea level, it faces west to southwest. As with all three of Ricasoli’s cru bottlings, this is fermented with selected yeasts indigenous to the Brolio estate, and ages in 500-litre tonneaux of which 30% are new. Medicinal herbs and vanilla weave through dark red cherry. The ripe, dense, fleshy fruit is coated with ample dusty tannins, while zesty, citrussy acidity gives a refreshing, countering lift. It leaves behind resounding suggestions of leather, chinotto and earthy forest roots, and deserves cellaring.
95 points, Michaela Morris, Decanter (Feb 2024)
The Barone Ricasoli 2021 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Gaiole CeniPrimo show softly textured fruit with lots of sweet cherry and raspberry up front. Grapes for this wine come from a vineyard planted in a silty riverbed. As a result of these warm growing conditions, the CeniPrimo usually shows more pulpy fruit, and in the case of this vintage, you also get a high 15% alcohol content.
94 points, Monica Larner, Wine Advocate (Jul 2024)
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