From 1141 to Today – The Story of Ricasoli
In the heart of the Chianti Classico wine region, surrounded by the enchanting landscape of Tuscany, stands Brolio Castle – the historic home of Ricasoli 1141.
This is far more than a winery. As its name suggests, Ricasoli represents an extraordinary family legacy stretching back to 1141, making it one of Italy’s oldest names in wine.
Over the centuries, the Ricasoli family has played a significant role in the development of Italian wine. Its most famous figure was Baron Bettino Ricasoli, known as the “Iron Baron,” a statesman who twice served as Prime Minister of Italy and left an equally important mark on the history of Chianti.
During the 19th century, Bettino Ricasoli conducted extensive experiments with grape varieties and winemaking at Brolio. His work led to the historic formula for Chianti wine and helped shape the identity of one of Italy’s most famous wine regions.
History, Terroir and Science
What makes Ricasoli particularly fascinating is the combination of centuries-old tradition with modern scientific research.
The estate has undertaken extensive studies of its terroir, analyzing the different soils, elevations and microclimates found across the vineyards surrounding Brolio Castle. This detailed understanding of the land allows individual vineyard sites to express their own distinctive characteristics.
Today, Baron Francesco Ricasoli continues the family legacy, combining generations of accumulated knowledge with precision viticulture, technological innovation and contemporary winemaking techniques.
The objective remains remarkably consistent with that of his ancestors: to understand the land and produce wines capable of expressing the distinctive identity of Chianti Classico.
Castello di Brolio Chianti Classico Gran Selezione
One of the estate’s most prestigious wines is Castello di Brolio Chianti Classico Gran Selezione, an expression of the historic Brolio terroir and Ricasoli’s centuries of winemaking experience.
The wine displays a deep ruby-red color and an elegant, complex aromatic profile of red berries, ripe cherries and violets, accompanied by subtle oak and spice notes.
On the palate, it offers structure and balance, with refined tannins and vibrant acidity. Layers of red and dark fruit mingle with hints of chocolate and spice, developing into a long and complex finish.
Castello di Brolio Chianti Classico Gran Selezione is a wine deeply connected to its origins – an expression of Tuscany in which history, terroir and modern winemaking come together in the glass.
