Barone Ricasoli : Brolio Riserva 2020

The richness and elegance of a Tuscan red wine

The estate

A historic Tuscan family, the Ricasolis trace their origins back to the 7th century. In 1141 that the history of the Ricasoli family became intertwined with that of the vine. Written records show that the family already owned Brolio Castle at that time, making Barone Ricasoli the oldest wine estate in Italy. They were visionaries, exporting their wines beyond Italy's borders from the 1600s onwards, and in 1867 the Brolio cuvée won a gold medal at the Paris Universal Exhibition. This quest for innovation continued unabated until, in 1872, a key figure in the family, Baron Bettino Ricasoli, took part in the birth of a legend in Italian winegrowing by creating the first production rule for Chianti. Today, the Barone Ricasoli estate covers 1,200 hectares, including just over 240 hectares of vines, making it the largest vineyard in the region.

The vineyard

Brolio Bettino 2020 from Barone Ricasoli is a Tuscan wine from a vineyard located at an altitude of between 280 and 480 metres. The vines benefit from a Mediterranean climate with a variety of soils, ranging from sandstone to limestone. These unique characteristics give the wines remarkable complexity and tannic structure.

The vintage

This Chianti Classico wine had a mild winter and low rainfall at the start of the year. Spring continued with average temperatures and little rain. Summer was particularly hot, with temperatures in excess of 30°C and virtually no rain. October brought cool nights and some welcome rainfall, helping to produce a high-quality harvest.

Winemaking and ageing

Fermentation takes place in stainless steel vats at a controlled temperature of 24-27°C, with a 14-18 day maceration on the skins. Finally, the wine is aged for 18 months in barrels.

Grape variety

Sangiovese (100%)

Characteristics and tasting tips for Brolio Bettino 2020 from Barone Ricasoli

Tasting

Nose
The nose presents a generous bouquet of ripe red fruit, mingled with lovely spicy notes.

Palate
The palate is beautifully balanced, unveiling a tannic framework underpinned by fruity aromas and a subtly spicy finish.

To serve

For the best tasting, this Italian wine should be served at a temperature between 16 and 18°C.

Food and wine pairing

Brolio Bettino 2020 from Barone Ricasoli pairs perfectly with hearty dishes such as grilled meats, pasta in tomato sauce or mature cheeses.