Barone Ricasoli tasting

Conducted by Francesco Ricasoli, the owner - he's the 32nd-generation Barone. This place has been making wine, in the same family, since the 11th century. Actually Franceso lost control of this to a multi-national in the 80's but bought it back in 1993. They have many different altitudes and soils on the property and are actively zoning this with ongoing analysis. They appear to be reducing the amount of new oak used and going for elegance in the range. He told us that they have tried 200 separate vinifications in a single vintage to experiment with the various parcels - seems incredible in a wine-maker of this size.

• 2009 Barone Ricasoli Torricella 90 Points

  Italy, Tuscany, Toscana IGT

  This is vinified in steel with low temperature maceration. Mostly Chardonnay with a little Sauvignon Blanc.
  Lovely complex nose with smoke and even white pepper.
  Good acidity and minerality. Great example of a complex unoaked Chardonnay. Should develop for at least 5 years.

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• 2009 Barone Ricasoli Chianti Classico Brolio 90 Points

  Italy, Tuscany, Chianti, Chianti Classico DOCG

  Considered their 'bread & butter' wine - 80% Sangiovese with 10% Merlot, 10% Cab.
  Mid-ruby. Nice spicy nose - I thought I caught the dark Merlot fruits.
  Cherries and red fruit on palate. Med+ acidity, light tannins.
  This is for early drinking within 3-4 years.

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• 2008 Barone Ricasoli Chianti Classico Colledila 92 Points

  Italy, Tuscany, Chianti, Chianti Classico DOCG

  Started to get interesting here. This is a single-vineyard wine from a 7ha plot on limestone and with good exposure. The vines apparently can suffer in the sun. This is only their second vintage of this as a separate cuvee. This is aged for 1.5 years in 50% new oak barriques. I was told the 2010 vintage looks like it will be awesome.
  Mid-ruby again. Spicy and delicate but quite intense. More classic Sangiovese. Good balance with acidity and fine tannins. Should develop for 5-10 years.

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• 2008 Barone Ricasoli Chianti Classico Castello di Brolio 92 Points

  Italy, Tuscany, Chianti, Chianti Classico DOCG

  This is apparently their 'grand cru'. It's not a separate plot but the best pick of the grapes from the various pickings. Again, an 80% Sangiovese, 10% Merlot, 10% Cab mix. The first vintage was in 1997. They are looking for elegance with less extraction and power.
  Spice and smoke over red fruit. The fruit is sweeter and more intense than the others. This is a keeper.

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• 2008 Barone Ricasoli Casalferro Toscana IGT 90 Points

  Italy, Tuscany, Toscana IGT

  This is very surprising - it is 100% Merlot but does not smell much like this. Apparently, the terroir dominates over the grape variety and we get round, red berries and plums with spice and vanilla. Seemed almost like a Sangiovese! Clearly there is some new oak barriques used in this. High acidity from the plot location, the tannins still masked by the fruit. Too young now - will be interesting to see how this evolves.

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• 2001 Barone Ricasoli Casalferro Toscana IGT 93 Points

  Italy, Tuscany, Toscana IGT

  This was very nice - this stuff matures well! Very intense blackberries on the nose. Good acidity on the palate and the tannins have emerged to balance this. This is less opulent than the younger one but far more interesting. Good body - this needs airing for a couple of hours.

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