# Castello di Brolio Chianti Classico Gran Selezione (2020)

- **Producer:** Barone Ricasoli S.p.A.
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Sangiovese
- **Region:** Toscana, Italy
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 14.5%
- **Average price:** €50
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 18–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** red cherry, violet, peach, vanilla, sweet wood, leather, tobacco, earth

## About this wine

Castello di Brolio Ricasoli 2020 is a Chianti Classico DOCG Gran Selezione from Barone Ricasoli S.p.A., one of the world's oldest wine estates. This flagship wine is produced exclusively from estate-grown Sangiovese grapes, sourced from vineyards planted on three distinct soil types within the Brolio estate. The estate's history, dating back to 1141, is deeply intertwined with the evolution of Chianti Classico, with current owner Francesco Ricasoli focusing on research, sustainability, and clonal selection of Sangiovese.

## Interesting facts

- The Brolio estate spans 1,200 hectares, with 240 dedicated to vineyards.
- Castello di Brolio is the flagship wine, produced only in the best years.
- The estate's history dates back to 1141, making it one of the oldest continuously operated wineries globally.
- The 2020 vintage is 100% Sangiovese, adhering to Chianti Classico DOCG regulations.

## Food pairing

The wine's full body and structured tannins are well-suited to complement the richness of red meats and game. Its inherent acidity helps to cut through fattier dishes, while the savory notes in the wine can echo herbal or earthy elements in the food.

## Wine making process

The Castello di Brolio Ricasoli 2020 underwent fermentation and maceration in stainless steel tanks at controlled temperatures for 14-16 days. Following fermentation, the wine was aged for 22 months in 500-liter tonneaux, utilizing a mix of 30% new oak and 70% second passage oak. This aging period is part of the stringent requirements for Chianti Classico Gran Selezione, which also mandates a minimum of 30 months total aging, including three months in bottle before release.