2021 Barone Ricasoli Brolio Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG, Tuscany

Sweet spices, savory plums, cherries, dried citrus and minerals on the nose. Fine-grained on the palate, with a medium to full body and a convincing amount of tannins. Long and fresh. Drinkable now, but better in one more year.

93 points jamessuckling.com

The Barone Ricasoli Brolio Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG is a quintessential expression of Tuscany’s noble Sangiovese, crafted by one of Italy’s oldest and most historically significant wine estates. The Ricasoli family has been making wine at Castello di Brolio in Gaiole in Chianti since 1141, making it the oldest winery in Italy and one of the oldest in the world. It was Bettino Ricasoli, the “Iron Baron” and former Prime Minister of Italy, who in the 19th century codified the original recipe for Chianti. Today, Francesco Ricasoli continues that legacy, focusing on organic farming, terroir expression and precision winemaking that respects tradition while embracing modern techniques.

The Brolio Riserva comes from select vineyards around the historic Brolio Castle, where soils of sandstone, marl and clay-limestone, combined with elevations of 250–450 metres, give Sangiovese both power and elegance. A small percentage of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon is sometimes included for extra depth and structure.

In the glass, the wine is deep ruby red with garnet reflections. The nose is aromatic and refined, with red cherry, plum, dried violet and blackberry layered over cedar, sweet spice, tobacco and earthy leather. On the palate it is medium to full-bodied, with vibrant red fruit supported by fine-grained tannins and bright acidity. Savoury notes of balsamic, smoke and mineral earth carry through to a long, elegant finish. This is a Riserva that balances generosity with restraint, making it a true benchmark for Chianti Classico.

Food pairings showcase its Tuscan roots: bistecca alla Fiorentina, wild boar ragù, roast lamb with rosemary or pecorino stagionato. It is also superb with mushroom risotto or truffle-infused pasta. With 10 to 15 years of cellaring potential, the Riserva evolves into a complex, silky wine with notes of dried herbs, leather and spice.

Critics regularly highlight the Brolio Chianti Classico Riserva for its authenticity, polish and sense of history. It often receives scores in the 92–95 range, praised for its consistency and value relative to the prestige of the estate. For collectors and enthusiasts alike, it represents both heritage and modern Tuscan finesse in a single glass.