Castello di Brolio: Revisited 2021

This week for the first time in eighteen months I visited Chianti Classico. My first visit was to Castello di Brolio, the majestic winery and estate belonging to the Ricasoli family and the ancestral home of Barone Francesco Ricasoli, who kindly agreed to be filmed for my “High Five with Tony Wood” video five minute interviews series (see at the end of this review).

After a warm welcome and within minutes of my arrival I was surrounded with various wine bottles from the Brolio estate and Champagne from the House of Henriot; the champagne distributed by Ricasoli 1141.

Tasting Notes

Henriot Brut Souverain NV

Light gold in colour with greenish tints. Fresh, zesty entry. Showing white florals, green apple and pear, faint nuances of apricot and bleached almond. Slate minerality. Expansive on the mid palate, leaves a clean mouthfeel.

Points 90 TW

Henriot Blanc de Blancs NV

Bright yellow in colour. Orchard fruit, white peach, apricot. Fine perlage. Juicy. Complete. Rounded with fresh acidity and great structure. Intense and balanced. Long finish.

Points 92 TW

Ricasoli 1141 Torricella Chardonnay 2019

Pale straw in colour. Faint aromatics of spring flowers, orchard fruit, vanilla. Special minerality feel that brings about a lift to this wine. Subtle citrusy character. So approachable.

Points 92 TW

Ricasoli 1141 Brolio Chianti Classico 2019

Bright ruby red in colour with translucent purple undertones. Lifted nose of scented cherry fruit, orange peel, star anise, fresh cut spring flowers. Warm, inviting, succulent entry broadens on the mid palate finally giving way to a fresh juicy long finish. It you wanted to find out about this Estate’s Terroir, it is here in spades! (Reviewed 9th May 2021 Chianti Classico Collection Part 2)

Points 93 TW

Ricasoli 1141 Castello di Brolio Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2018

Deep ruby red in colour. Cherry, raspberry, blueberry. Solid core of fresh fruit.

Notes of tobacco and balsamic, with fine tannins and mouth tingling acidity. Broad long finish. Needs aeration to offer its best.

Points 95 TW

Ricasoli 1141 Colledilà Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2018

Intense ruby red in colour with purple undertones. Mature soft red and black fruits consisting of blackberries, blueberries and cherry. Aromas of warm liquorice, dried herbs.

A remarkable wine for its complexity and elegance. From the three incredible Cru’s this one has persistence, structure and an intense compact offering of fruit.

Points 98 TW

Ricasoli 1141 Roncicone Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2018

Medium ruby red in colour. Black fruits bring on fine tannins, rose petal florals.

Vertical like a rocket. Second nuances of dried earth, liquorice. Showing incredible polished acidity and minerality. The ‘reserved’ cru of the threesome.

Points 96 TW

Ricasoli 1141 Ceniprimo Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2018

Deep ruby red in colour. Spectacular fruit presentation, all held in a tight transparent structure explodes on the mid palate. Secondary nuances of intense cherry, red berries, sweet tobacco, underbrush. It just doesn’t stop trying to please. Such depth.

Phenomenal concentration of Sangiovese at its finest. Perhaps the cooler vintage assisted greatly in this remarkable wine.

Points 99 TW

Video: “High Five with Tony Wood" & Barone Francesco Ricasoli, Castello Di Brolio

Following my time with Barone Ricasoli, I ventured forth into the vineyard with his permission, to witness the start of the vendemmia. One of the first grape varieties to be picked was Merlot.