My special guest was Francesco Ricasoli, President of Ricasoli 1141 and the 32nd Baron of Brolio. The Ricasoli family has been linked to wine since 1141 and they are documented as the oldest winery in Italy and the fourth oldest family business in the world. Baron Ricasoli’s great-grandfather developed the original formula for the Chianti wine that became the standard for the region. The family’s Brolio Castle, located within the town limits of Gaiole in Chianti, sits majestically on their 3000-acre estate and 600 acres of the estate are planted to sustainably farmed vineyards, making it the largest estate in Chianti Classico under vine. Ricasoli describes “Brolio as a magical place” and you can taste that special essence in the wines. One of the secrets to that magic is the estate’s many soil types and micro-climates. During our chat, we sipped Castello di Brolio Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2015 and Casalferro Merlot 2008 . www.winewithwanda.com
