Barone Ricasoli : Brolio Bettino 2022

Tasting notes and recommendations for the Brolio Bettino 2022 from Barone Ricasoli

Tasting

Appearance

The wine displays an intense ruby-red color.

Nose

The nose reveals fresh notes of ripe red fruits and black cherries, accompanied by spicy and balsamic nuances as well as subtle hints of aromatic herbs.

Palate

On the palate, the wine is warm, elegant, and flavorful. Its generous structure is supported by well-present and structured tannins. The finish is long and persistent, marked by a fruity aftertaste.

Food and wine pairings

This Chianti Classico pairs perfectly with lamb chops, wild game with rosemary, or grilled steak. It also elegantly accompanies pasta dishes with meat-based sauces, such as a slow-simmered Tuscan ragù, as well as braised meats seasoned with Mediterranean herbs. Traditional Tuscan appetizers such as crostini topped with mushrooms or chicken liver pâté also make excellent pairings.

Serving and cellaring

The Brolio Bettino 2022 can be enjoyed now.

A Chianti Classico faithful to the historic legacy of Barone Ricasoli

The estate

Founded in 1141, Barone Ricasoli is the oldest winery in Italy and the fourth oldest family business in the world. Located in the hills of Gaiole in Chianti in Tuscany, between Florence and Siena, the estate covers 1,200 hectares including 240 hectares of vineyards. Since 1993, Francesco Ricasoli, the 32nd baron of the family, has managed the estate, which he restored after a period of decline by applying a scientific approach to terroir and sustainability practices certified Equalitas since 2020. The estate perpetuates the legacy of Bettino Ricasoli, the “Iron Baron,” who established the historic formula for Chianti in 1872.

The vineyard

The Brolio Bettino 2022 comes from vineyards located on the hills of Chianti Classico, at altitudes ranging from 220 to 500 meters, mainly facing south and southwest. The estate features remarkable geological diversity with nineteen different soil types identified, including formations of arenaria, galestro, alberese, and marine deposits. This mosaic of terroirs provides sangiovese, the estate’s flagship grape variety, with ideal conditions to fully express its potential. The Mediterranean climate, characterized by hot, dry summers and rainfall concentrated in spring and autumn, promotes optimal grape development.

The vintage

The 2022 vintage was marked by a mild, rainy winter followed by average spring temperatures. From mid-May onward, above-average temperatures set in with a complete absence of rainfall, a condition that continued throughout the summer. However, the water reserves accumulated earlier in the year and the welcome rains that arrived in August allowed the grapes to ripen properly until harvest. This extreme heat and prolonged drought were managed through careful canopy management and soil cultivation adapted to the estate’s complex geology.

Winemaking and aging

The grapes for Brolio Bettino 2022 were harvested from mid-September, with the entire harvest completed over a ten-day period. Vinification took place in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks between 24 and 27°C, with maceration lasting 14 to 16 days in contact with the skins. This Italian wine was then aged for 18 months in large casks, followed by at least three months of bottle aging. This gentle approach, favoring shorter macerations, preserves the elegance and finesse of the tannins while respecting the varietal purity of sangiovese.

Grape variety

100% sangiovese