# Rocca Guicciarda Riserva (2021)

- **Producer:** Barone Ricasoli
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Sangiovese, Merlot, Canaiolo
- **Region:** Toscana, Italy
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 13.5%
- **Average price:** €23
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** black plum, red plum, red cherry, black cherry, vanilla, cedar, leather, tobacco, earth

## About this wine

The Rocca Guicciarda Riserva 2021 is a Chianti Classico DOCG from Barone Ricasoli, a winery with a history stretching back to 1141. Located in Gaiole in Chianti, Tuscany, the estate is deeply connected to the evolution of Chianti wines. This particular Riserva is crafted predominantly from Sangiovese, complemented by Merlot and Canaiolo, representing a modern interpretation of a classic Tuscan blend. The Ricasoli family, led by Francesco Ricasoli, is dedicated to vineyard research and expressing the distinctiveness of their estate's terroirs.

## Interesting facts

- Ricasoli is one of the oldest family-owned wineries globally.
- The estate played a key role in defining the Chianti blend.
- The wine's name, Rocca Guicciarda, refers to a historic castle on the Ricasoli estate.
- This wine is vegan-friendly.

## Food pairing

The wine's full body and elegant tannins are well-suited to complement the richness of red meats and slow-cooked dishes. Its refreshing acidity cuts through the fat of grilled meats and ragus, while the savory notes in the wine can echo herbs and earthy flavors found in Tuscan cuisine.

## Wine making process

The Rocca Guicciarda Riserva is produced through fermentation in stainless steel tanks with controlled temperatures and skin contact. Following fermentation, the wine is aged for 21 months in a combination of barriques, tonneaux, and large casks. It then undergoes a further 3 to 6 months of bottle aging before release. The producer, Barone Ricasoli, is known for its commitment to research and development in vineyard management and soil analysis.