Chianti Classico Gran Selezione!

“Fantastic” wines from the Crus of Ricasoli

Up to 99 points and In Stock

In the early Middle Ages, the hills between the cities of Florence and Siena were known as the Chianti Mountain. This area included the towns of Castellina, Gaiole and Radda, and eventually Greve. This was the “Chianti Zone” until it was expanded in the 1930’s. Today we call this the Chianti Classico zone.

The history of the Ricasoli (Ri-Kah-zoli) family has been linked to wine since 1141, when there is written testimony attesting that the Ricasoli family already possessed Brolio Castle.

The blend for Chianti, which was originally a white wine, was codified in the mid 1800’s by Bettino Ricasoli, an renowned Italian statesman. At the time, Canaiolo was emerging as the dominant variety in the Chianti blend with Sangiovese and Malvasia Bianca Lunga playing supporting roles. In the mid-19th century, Ricasoli developed a recipe for Chianti that was based primarily on Sangiovese, mainly due to its aromatic qualities. The new designation of Chianti Classico Gran Selezione are all 100% Sangiovese from estate vineyards.

The estate at Castello di Brolio is covered with gentle hills, velvety valleys and thick woodlands of oaks and chestnuts, and the 1,200 hectares of property include almost 240 hectares of vineyards and 26 of olive groves. The single “Crus” of CeniPrimo, Colledila, and Roncicone, as well as the estate blend of Castello di Brolio, represent the pure expression of Sangiovese, and of the estate itself.

2019 Barone Ricasoli Chianti Classico Gran Selezione CeniPrimo

$79.89 (750ml) In Stock- Buy Now

99 JS / 96 WA / 95+ JD / 95 WI / 93 VM

This has an intensely perfumed nose of lavender, sandalwood, dried cherries, blueberries, creme de cassis, bay leaves, walnuts and stones. Full-bodied with polished, well-integrated tannins and a layered, silky and concentrated core of spiced and herbed fruit. Long. Intense. Fantastic already, but try in 2024.-James Suckling

Barone Ricasoli has successful brought out the individual character of each of its Gran Selezione wines. This sample sees fruit from sandy and silty soils in the Val d'Arbia at lower elevations (ranging from 280 to 300 meters above sea level). The 2019 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Castello di Brolio CeniPrimo is a wine of structure and concentration with generous layers of dark fruit, spice, earth and candied cherry. CeniPrimo focuses on dark fruit and texture.-Monica Larner, Wine Advocate

2019 Barone Ricasoli Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Colledila

$79.89 (750ml) In Stock- Buy Now

97+ WA / 96 WI / 95 JS / 95 DE / 94 VM

The Barone Ricasoli 2019 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Colledilà exudes an elegant fruit profile, but the wine is not without significant intensity and concentration too. With Sangiovese from clayey limestone soils rich in calcium carbonate and poor in organic matter, this wine also boasts that beautiful minerality that we saw in the others. Delicate berry fruit cedes to crushed oyster shell, dark spice and campfire ash. To the palate, the wine is high, firm and long.-Monica Larner, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

The Ricasoli 2019 Colledila Gran Selezione Chianti Classico is my favorite of the three Ricasoli Gran Selezione, because of the purity and precision of the fruit and aromas. Colledila comes from Sangiovese grown on 7.62 hectares of vineyard at 380 meters above sea level, facing south-east and on a clayey, limestone soil, rich in calcium carbonate and clay and poor in organic matter. The fruit aromas and flavors are cooler and bluer with sweet violet notes together with ripe cherry and bitter cherry flavors. Beautiful floral aromas fill the glass on standing and swirling. On the palate there is a lovely, gentle texture and weight and a fresh burst of acidity which starts from the middle and continues to the finish. The tannins are very finely textured and yet clipped, clean and very upright giving a firm, refined finish. This, together with mouthwatering freshness from the acidity and a pure, just-ripe, wild cherry quality to the fruit (crunchy rather than overripe) makes for a very lovely, classy example of Sangiovese! Drink 2024 to 2044. Susan Hulme, Wine Independent

2019 Barone Ricasoli Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Roncicone

$79.89 (750ml) In Stock- Buy Now

98+ WA / 98 JS / 93 WI

This is my favorite wine among this group of new releases from Barone Ricasoli. The 2019 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Castello di Brolio Roncicone reflects soils that are rich in shells and marine fossils. These conditions deliver sharpness and focus with beautiful minerality, both salty and chalky. To the eye, this textbook Sangiovese is lean and elegant. The bouquet is finessed and layered with wild cherry, mint, blue flower and blood orange. There is an element of rustiness as well, and the mouthfeel is polished and extremely fine. The tannins melt away. Francesco Ricasoli assures me that he and his team "have learned to work the grape." I'd certainly say so. These are stunning results.-Monica Larner, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

2019 Barone Ricasoli Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Castello di Brolio

$66.89 (750ml) In Stock- Buy Now

96 JS / 95 WA / 92 WI

A polished and reserved Castello with cherry, orange-peel and chocolate aromas and flavors. Tight and round-tannined, in a very subtle and curated way. The precision in this wine is impressive. Needs time to open. Try after 2025.-James Suckling

The Barone Ricasoli 2019 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Castello di Brolio represent a new chapter in the history of this popular wine. The wine is 100% Sangiovese selected from various parcels. There has been a shift to fruit from higher elevations and cooler growing conditions. The three main soil types—sandstone, schistous galestro and limestone alberese—are all faithfully represented here. This wine is streamlined and elegant, and its freshness is superb. That crisp and tart character of Gaiole comes through clearly, along with polished mineral, clover, spice and forest fruit.-Monica Larner, Wine Advocate

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