2022 Barone Ricasoli Brolio Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG, Tuscany

A restrained and classic wine with aromas of smoke, woodland, graphite, leather, dried cherries and potpourri. Medium-bodied, this shows refined tannins, a velvety texture, crisp acidity and a chewy, dynamic finish with tension and balance. Drink or hold.

94 points James Suckling 

Castello di Brolio is where the modern idea of Chianti was first shaped in the 19th century, and Barone Ricasoli still carries that legacy with a very contemporary edge. High altitude vineyards across Gaiole’s stony soils give lift and structure, and the Riserva pulls the best parcels together for a more complete, ageworthy take on Sangiovese.

The 2022 opens with a confident mix of fruit and savoury detail. Sour cherry and red plum lead, backed by blackberry, dried herbs and a touch of violet. There’s a deeper layer underneath, tobacco, cedar, a hint of leather and spice, all neatly integrated.

It has more presence than the standard bottlings. Medium to full in weight, with firm, fine grained tannins that give the wine real shape. The fruit is concentrated but not heavy, carried by a line of acidity that keeps everything moving. The finish stretches out with red fruit, spice and a lightly earthy, mineral edge.

Ricasoli’s winemaking is polished and controlled, careful extraction and measured oak building depth while keeping the wine clean and expressive of site.

This is built for proper Tuscan food. Bistecca with rosemary, pappardelle with slow cooked ragù, or grilled lamb all feel right. It also handles dishes like eggplant parmigiana, porcini mushrooms with herbs, or a rich tomato based stew, where the acidity and tannin cut through and lift the flavours.

Drinking well now with some air, but it will comfortably evolve over the next ten to fifteen years, gaining more savoury, complex layers as it settles in.