Chianti Classico Brolio Barone Ricasoli 2023

Chianti Classico Brolio, Barone Ricasoli, Tuscany, Italy, 2023  

Grapes: 95% Sangiovese and 5% Colorino, fermentation in stainless steel, with 9 months' ageing in large, old oak barrels.

This wine, a blend of primarily Sangiovese grapes, is typical of the best modern day Chianti Classico, while displaying the elegance and intensity that made the wines of Chianti famous. Intense ruby red colour with fine nose of blackberries and blackcurrant notes, balsamic and spicy hints. The wine display excellent acid structure, well balanced, elegant tannins. The impact in the mouth is velvety and persistent.

Critics' Tasting Notes:

"Vibrant and floral on the nose, with cherries, rose hips and pomegranates. Crisp on the palate, with a dusty texture and a red-fruited core. Pure, energetic and very approachable. Drink now."

91/100 points, James Suckling, July 2025

"It's between Florence and Siena that the heart of Chianti Classico beats, the first Italian appellation to obtain the DOCG designation in 1984. A strict, demanding region where Sangiovese bends to rigor to better reveal its assets. On this terroir, Francesco Ricasoli, head of the Brolio estate and the current baron, combines tradition and oenological precision with a sense of detail that borders on obsession. This Brolio, a flagship cuvée, is proof of this vintage after vintage. From the first nose, an explosion of morello cherry, ripe raspberry, and a hint of dried violet. Then come fine leather, a hint of graphite, and that discreet smokiness that betrays well-measured aging in foudre. On the palate, it's Sangiovese in its most civilized form: lively attack, racy but polished tannins, juicy acidity. You can feel the Tuscan sun, but tempered by the altitude of Gaiole. The finish is clean and mouthwatering, with a lingering note of blond tobacco and sweet licorice. A sure bet! Decant for 30 minutes and serve at 17°C. Try it with duck breast with peppers, osso buco with tomatoes, linguine with tomatoes, pasta al ragù, or even with beef stew." Drink 2025-2030

91/100 points, BACCHUS (Canada), July 2025

Food Match: Prosciutto ham or pasta al pomodoro, meat in tomato based sauces