Stay overnight, taste the Gran Selezione and tour the castle that shaped Chianti.
Ricasoli is one of the most recognized Chianti Classico producers to North American wine drinkers.
Brolio wine is what the winery is known for and is one of best selling Italian wines in North America.
However, its history and portfolio of wines is much deeper than Brolio. On my recent visit to Chianti Classico, I was fortunate to spend a day at the winery with brand ambassador Matilde Pepi. Matilde’s mom works for the winery and many employees of the winery are like family.
Ricasoli is the oldest winery in Italy and one of the oldest wineries in the world. The estate covers 1200 hectares although only 240 hectares are planted with grape vines. There are olive trees on-site and a large part of its estate is still forest lands.
The Ricasoli family acquired Brolio Castle in 1141. The castle was originally used as a fortress to defend Florence from Siena. It was sold to other owners in the 1970s but the current and 32nd Barone, Francesco Ricaosli, repurchased the estate in 1993.
Baron Bettino Ricasoli, who became the future Prime Minister of Italy, is credited with creating the Chianti formula in 1872. The original formula for Chianti wines called for the wine to be at least 70-per-cent Sangiovese grapes, 15 to 20-per-cent Canaiolo grapes and 10 to 15-per-cent Malvasia grapes.
The regulations for what grape varietals can be used in Chianti Classico wines has been modernized but it was Bettino who created the original standards for the region.
Francesco has also continued the tradition of being a visionary by spending decades replanting vineyards, modernizing operations and mapping the entire vineyard site. By mapping the site, Francesco discovered 19 distinct soil types and also found that growing Sangiovese on different soil types creates much different wines.
It is best known for its Brolio wine ($29.99 at B.C. Liquor Stores). Although it is only a Chianti Classico Annata wine, which means it is aged for one year before release, it provides great quality for the price.
I tasted a 2010 Brolio at the winery with Matilde, and the wine still exhibits vibrant cherry and plum flavors.
If you can find the Gran Selezione wines, they are worth seeking out and provide exceptional value for the money. Three single vineyard Chianti Classico Gran Selezione wines are produced: Ceniprimo, Rancicone and Colledila.
Each wine expresses the Sangiovese grape differently based on the soil type and location of the vineyard. But the best wine for the money is the Castello di Brolio Chianti Classico Gran Selezione, which is a blend of the best grapes from the single vineyard sites.
Ricasoli also make a tremendously delicious 100-per-cent Merlot wine called Casalferro ($114.99 at Marquis Wine Cellars). It exhibits plum, loam, violets, spice and cedar notes with a chocolate aftertaste. Tremendously pleasurable wine!
If you ever get a chance to visit the winery, there are agritourism rooms where you can stay.
I strongly suggest staying at a winery if you visit Chianti Classico as that will let you enjoy the peacefulness of the region without rushing to get home after a visit to the winery.
You can not only visit Ricasoli’s vineyard and have some wine at the wine bar, you can also visit its spectacular restaurant on site and Brolio Castle, with stunning views of Chianti Classico.
For a detailed review of my visit at the winery, watch by clicking here.
Until next time, happy drinking!
Tony Kwan is a Richmond News columnist. Lawyer by day, and a food and wine lover by night. Kwan is an epicurean who writes about wine, food and enjoying all that life has to offer.
📣 Got an opinion on this story or any others in Richmond? Send us a letter or email your thoughts or story tips to [email protected].
📲 To stay updated on Richmond news, sign up for our daily headline newsletter.
💬 Words missing in article? Your adblocker might be preventing hyperlinked text from appearing.
