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Castello di Brolio

The Castello di Brolio, a fortress constructed during the middle ages, has been the seat of Barone Ricasoli since the 12th century. Nevertheless, in the 1960s, financial difficulties resulting from Chianti's then dire reputation resulted in the family being forced to sell the estate to Seagram. It subsequently changed hands several times, passing through the ownership of United Wine Producers and then BRL Hardys. Unsurprisingly quality suffered, and Castello di Brolio fell from grace. In 1993, however, Francesco Ricasoli, who was working as a photographer in Florence, purchased the estate from Hardys in an attempt to salvage the reputation of his family name. With the help of consultant oenologist Carlo Ferrini, and Marchese Filippo Mazzei of Castello di Fonterutoli, Francesco Ricasoli began to turn things around at Castello di Brolio. The winery was restored, modernised and restocked with new barrels, and many of the vineyards were replanted.

The estate produces two Chianti Classico wines, the first designated Castello di Brolio Chianti Classico and the second simply Brolio Chianti Classico. The former is the more serious wine, receiving eighteen months of ageing en barrique, although the latter also sees some time in wood. There is a Chianti Classico Riserva Rocca Guicciarda, which is produced from ripe Sangiovese harvested later than the rest of the crop, and aged in a mix of barrique and tonneaux for twenty months. At the top of the tree is Casalferro, a internationally-styled super-Tuscan comprising predominantly Sangiovese but also with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Like the Castello di Brolio Chianti Classico this also sees eighteen months en barrique (including some American oak). There is also a Chardonnay Torricella and a Vin Santo. (23/9/02)

Contact details:
Address: 53013 Gaiole in Chianti, Siena
Telephone: +39 0577 7301
Fax: +39 0577 730 225
Internet: www.ricasoli.it

Castello di Brolio - Tasting Notes

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Brolio Chianti Classico 2006: Made from estate-grown fruit, with ten months in oak after fermentation has finished. Plenty of colour and plenty of fruit on the nose too, with a dense, slightly roasted, warm character. Rich and a touch creamy on the palate, with a dry structure. Soft, not well focused, with good acids though. A wine with good potential, even if it does have a rather rich and warm character. From an Enotria tasting. 16+/20 (February 2009)

Brolio Chianti Classico 2002: A deep, red-black wine. Dark, slightly leathery, spicy berry fruit nose, rather deep and a little brooding, with a smoky, brawny character to it. Ripe, rounded mouthfeel, with a creamy presence, but with rather subtle flavour. Good textural quality, over a firm, dry, tannic structure. A little dumb at present, but with potential, and I expect it will be much better in a year or two. 16+/20 (September 2005)

Castello di Brolio Chianti Classico 1998: A youthful red colour with a tinge of purple. Wonderful fruit on the nose, with hard elements of smoke and charcoal, and perhaps a touch of rubber. The palate is big and mouthfilling, with almost luscious cherry and strawberry fruit. This is countered by classic acidity, which is fairly prominent, and spicy tannins. The hard edge suggested by the nose continues on the palate. Sweet, fruit acid length. 16.5+/20 (September 2002)

Barone Ricasoli Chianti Classico Riserva 'Rocca Guicciarda' 1998: A dense, deep red hue. On the nose there is plenty of classic Sangiovese fruit. Immediately apparent acidity on the palate. which confers great freshness to buoy up the lovely depth of ripe, sweet-edged fruit on the palate. Dense, smoky character, with other notes of oak maturation. Although full bodied, and very dry, it seems somewhat lighter, more open-knit, and less tight than the Castello di Brolio Chianti Classico tasted last week. Drinking well now and very enjoyable. 16.5+/20 (September 2002)

Castello di Brolio Chianti Classico 1997: Moderate depth of colour. A fairly meaty nose, with notes of liquorice and cough drops. There is a touch of sweetness to the black fruit on the palate, with some tannin and firm acidity. Overall though at present it is closed down and quite hard work. Leave another two or three years in the cellar. 16+/20 (January 2004)

Castello di Brolio Casalferro IGT 1996: Predominantly Sangiovese with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. A deep and rich garnet red with a faint, earthy tinge. Youthful aromas on the nose, smoky-blackcurrant notes of Cabernet, together with other berry-like scents and some nicely used oak. On the rich, youthful, full-bodied palate there is a velvety texture and plenty of fruit, fortunately backed up with classic Sangiovese acidity. The tannins are ripe and integrated, although after some aeration they seem slightly chalky. There is a pleasing, savoury quality alongside the fruit through the endpalate. A strong finish. 17+/20 (October 2002)