Castello di Brolio is a Neo-Gothic castle and winery in Monti in Chianti, a locality (‘frazione’) in Gaiole-in-Chianti in the Chianti Classico DOCG region of Tuscany, Italy. It is the largest estate in Chianti Classico. It has been owned by the Ricasoli family since 1141, although at one point the negotiant side of the business was sold to foreign owners who caused its decline, before buying it back under Francesco Ricasoli, the 32nd Barone, in 1993. Related Ricasolis own the nearby Castello di Cacchiano and Rocca di Montegrossi estates. Barone Bettino Ricasoli (1809-80) played a key role in defining the production zone and blend for Chianti Classico wine and its territory in the 19th century. He became the second Prime Minister of Italy after its unification in 1861, following the death of Camillo Benso Cavour, serving from 1851 to 1862, and then again from 1866 to 1867 (Nesto & Savino, p.32). In addition, Ricasoli used a Bordeaux-style bottle for his Brolio Chianti rather then the traditional ‘fiasco’, or straw-covered glass flask (Nesto & Savino, p.32). A Vin Santo del Chianti Classico DOC is also made.

Owner: Barone Ricasoli Spa. Francesco Ricasoli (see above) since 1993

Staff: Consultant Oen: Carlo Ferrini.

Terroir: 220-500 metres. 19 different soil types. Clonal selection.

Vineyards: 1,200-ha property. 240ha of vines. The main grape is Sangiovese. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Canaiolo are also grown, as are the white grapes Malvasia and Chardonnay. Purchased grapes are also used.

White wines

Toscano Bianco, Torricella: 2001 Chardonnay.

Red wines

Toscano Rosso, Casalferro: Casalferro is named after and sourced from a single vineyard on the Brolio estate. | 1999 Sangiovese, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon. 100,000 bottles. | 2000 Sangiovese, Merlot. Barrique aged for 18 months. Released in the UK in early January 2003. On 5th September 2003 it was announced by Enotria Winecellars that Casalferro 2000 won the Red Wine of the Year Award and the trophy for the outstanding Italian Red Wine of the Year at the 2003 International Wine Challenge Awards.

Toscano Rosso, Formulae: 1999 Formulae Sangiovese di Toscana 30% aged in American oak, 70% in stainless steel.

Chianti Classico DOCG, Castello di Broil: 1997 The first vintage of this, the new flagship wine of the estate, made from Sangiovese and aged for 18 months in barrel. | 1999 150,000 bottles. | 2008 80% Sangiovese, 20% Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. £30-59.99. Rich and ripe, smoky and exotic, sweet ripe palate, warm – tipicità? (DWWA 2013, Commended). | 2010 80% Sangiovese, 15% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. New oak dominant but plenty of broad fruit behind, black cherry, well-built tannin, good quality oak, refined and appetising (DWWA 2013, Gold). | 2017 80% Sangiovese, 15% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon.

Chianti Classico DOCG, Castello di Brolio, Bettino: 2016 90% Sangiovese, 10% Colorino.

Chianti Classico DOCG, 1141: Not tasted.

Chianti Classico DOCG Riserva, Castello di Brolio: 2016 80% Sangiovese, 15% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon.

Chianti Classico DOCG Riserva, Rocca Guicciarda: Not tasted.

Chianti Classico DOCG Gran Selezione, Castello di Brolio: 2015 90% Sangiovese, 5% each Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. | 2016 95% Sangiovese, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon.

Chianti Classico DOCG Gran Selezione DOCG, Castello di Brolio:

Chianti Classico DOCG Gran Selezione DOCG, Colledilà:

Chianti Classico DOCG Gran Selezione DOCG, Roncione:

Chianti Classico DOCG Gran Selezione DOCG, CeniPrimo:

Vin Santo

Vin Santo del Chianti Classico DOC, Castello di Brolio: 2004 17.5%. | 2011 90% Malvasia, 5% each Trebbiano Toscano & Sangiovese.

Contact

Castello di Brolio

Loc. Brolio

I-53013 Gaiole in Chianti (SI), Italy

Tel+39 0577.7301 | Website www.ricasoli.it