Barone Ricasoli Casalferro 2013
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James
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Wine Spectator
A silky, polished red, boasting cherry, currant, iron, tobacco and spice flavors. Features a solid core of tannins, but also vibrant acidity and fine length. Merlot.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Tasted from vat, the 2013 Casalferro comes from a 20-hectare Merlot vineyard on the Brolio property. This is a delicious expression that shows no signs of over-ripeness. In fact, the wine achieves great balance with luscious fruit, wild berry, grilled herb, spice and soft cherry. In addition to the varietal pureness of the wine, it has also been "Chiantified," if I may invent a new wine term. In other words, it has taken on the freshness and the crisp mineral definition that characterizes the wines of the Chianti Classico zone (where this IGT Toscana wine is born).
Range: 91-93 -
James Suckling
Aromas of currants, fresh sage and mint follow through to a full to medium body, fine tannins and a savory finish. Attractive fruit, acid balance.
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The history of Italy cannot be told without including the prominent contributions of the Ricasoli family, who have produced wine since 1141. Ricasoli is documented as the oldest winery in Italy and the fourth oldest family business in the world. A beautiful illustration of the family tree in 1584 is one of the first images of the Chianti area and the family archives include export receipts dating back to the late 1600s. However, perhaps the most famous historical contribution came from Baron Bettino Ricasoli, who was not only twice the prime minister of Italy, but after 30 years of experimentation and documentation, developed the original formula for the Chianti wine that became the standard for the region.
The heart of the Ricasoli wine production comes from the Brolio castello, a magnificent castle located in the commune of Gaiole in Chianti, which was built as an outpost to defend Florence from the rival city of Siena. Within the estate, ancient cannonballs and even more recent WWII artillery shells have been found, evidence of the historical strategic importance of the castle with views of the entire Chianti Classico area. The 3,000 acre estate includes 580 acres of sustainably farmed vineyards, ranging in altitude from 800 to 1,500 feet. Each plot is harvested and fermented separately with meticulous dedication.
Baron Francesco Ricasoli has been at the helm of the winery since 1993 and with the deepest respect for his renowned ancestors, he has guided the estate in innovation and sustainable vineyard practices. The ongoing study of soil types and the clonal selection of the Brolio Sangiovese are among his greatest passions and he has been responsible for total renovation and re-mapping of the vineyards. Today, the wines are a reflection of the family’s nine hundred year dedication to quality winemaking and innovation at the Brolio estate.
Legendary in Italy for its Renaissance art and striking landscape, Tuscany is also home to many of the country’s best red wines. Sangiovese reigns supreme here, as either the single varietal, or a dominant player, in almost all of Tuscany’s best.
A remarkable Chianti, named for its region of origin, will have a bright acidity, supple tannins and plenty of cherry fruit character. From the hills and valleys surrounding the medieval village of Montalcino, come the distinguished and age-worthy wines based on Brunello (Sangiovese). Earning global acclaim since the 1970s, the Tuscan Blends are composed solely of international grape varieties or a mix of international and Sangiovese. The wine called Vine Nobile di Montepulciano, composed of Prognolo Gentile (Sangiovese) and is recognized both for finesse and power.