Barone Ricasoli : Brolio Riserva 2022

Characteristics and tasting advice for the Brolio Riserva 2022 from Barone Ricasoli

Tasting

Appearance

The wine displays an intense ruby red color with noticeable garnet reflections visible at the rim of the glass.

Nose

The nose reveals a complex and elegant bouquet. Floral notes intertwine with aromas of ripe red fruits, notably black cherry. Spicy hints of black pepper accompany a subtle touch of vanilla brought by aging in oak barrels, perfectly integrated into the aromatic profile.

Palate

On the palate, the wine is rich and full-bodied, with a present and well-balanced tannic structure. The tannins, supple and silky, add texture without aggressiveness. Well-defined acidity supports the whole and provides a beautiful length on the finish. The palate reveals aromas of black fruits, blackberry and blackcurrant, accompanied by herbaceous notes evoking tobacco, spices and minerality. The long and persistent finish maintains a fruity core while gradually unveiling delicate mineral, earthy and woody nuances.

Food and wine pairings

The Brolio Riserva 2022 pairs perfectly with grilled red meats, notably Florentine-style beef. It also elegantly accompanies veal dishes in sauce, pasta with meat ragùs, particularly wild boar or game, as well as aged hard cheeses such as Tuscan pecorino.

Serving and cellaring

The Brolio Riserva 2022 is ideally enjoyed at a temperature between 16 and 18°C. Thanks to its structure and concentration, this wine can be enjoyed until around 2038.

An exceptional Chianti Classico Riserva from the historic heart of Tuscany

The estate

Barone Ricasoli represents one of the oldest wine estates in the world. The Ricasoli family has owned the Castello di Brolio since 1141, nearly 900 years of uninterrupted history. In the 19th century, Baron Bettino Ricasoli revolutionized the production of Chianti by establishing in 1872 the first standardized formula for this emblematic wine of Tuscany. Since 1993, Francesco Ricasoli has managed the estate and has undertaken a complete modernization of the vineyard while preserving the family heritage. The estate covers 1,200 hectares including 240 hectares of vines, located in the heart of Chianti Classico. Barone Ricasoli stands out for its scientific approach to viticulture, notably through detailed soil mapping and the development of sangiovese clones specific to the Brolio terroir. The estate is now Equalitas certified, reflecting its commitment to environmental and social sustainability.

The vineyard

The vineyard of Brolio Riserva 2022 is located in the Chianti Classico appellation, about twenty kilometers northeast of Siena, in the municipality of Gaiole in Chianti. The plots are planted at altitudes ranging from 280 to 480 meters, mainly facing south or southwest to benefit from optimal sun exposure. The estate has identified nineteen distinct soil types, including five main ones that particularly influence the expression of sangiovese: Macigno del Chianti (sandstone), Scaglia Toscana or Galestro (schist), Monte Morello (Eocene alberese limestone), Pliocene marine deposits and ancient river terraces. This geological diversity gives the wines great complexity. The Mediterranean climate, characterized by mild and rainy winters and hot, dry summers, favors the ripening of sangiovese. The estate practices sustainable viticulture, without herbicides or synthetic pesticides, and promotes biodiversity across the entire property.

The vintage

The 2022 vintage presented significant viticultural challenges. After a mild and rainy winter followed by a warm and dry spring, the summer proved particularly demanding with temperatures well above historical averages and almost no rainfall. This intense water stress required careful vineyard management. Fortunately, rains arrived in mid-August, allowing temperatures to drop and the grapes to begin veraison under good conditions. The month of September benefited from stable and optimal weather conditions, allowing the grapes to reach full ripeness with high sugar concentrations, good acidity retention and concentrated aromatic compounds. The harvest of sangiovese intended for Brolio Riserva took place between September 9 and 25, 2022.

Vinification and aging

The grapes for Brolio Riserva 2022 were harvested by hand and transported in small containers to preserve their integrity. Fermentation took place in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks at a controlled temperature between 24 and 27°C, with a skin maceration lasting fourteen to sixteen days allowing optimal extraction of tannins, color compounds and aromas. After fermentation, this Italian wine was aged for eighteen months in 500-liter tonneaux, composed of 30% new French oak barrels and 70% previously used barrels. This proportion favors the expression of the terroir while bringing a subtle oak influence. Brolio Riserva 2022 then benefited from an additional three months of bottle aging before release, allowing harmonious integration of all its components.

Grape variety

100% sangiovese