Barone Ricasoli Brolio Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG

Barone Ricasoli is the oldest winery in Italy, having been producing wine at the Castello di Brolio since the 1500s at least. There are export documents that show that Amsterdam and England were markets for this Chianti Classico producer in the 1600s. Their reputation grew and their distribution expanded in the 1900s as they were exported to China, Saudi Arabia, former English colonies of Africa and even in the new world countries of Costa Rica and Guatemala. The Ricasoli estate is also considered to be one of the oldest family run businesses in Italy. Situated in the prime Chianti zone of Tuscany, the family heavily invested in the agriculture and vineyards of the lands of Castello di Brolio. The most famous of the family was Barone Bettino Ricasoli. A two time Prime Minister of the newly formed Italy and nicknamed the ‘Iron Baron’, he dedicated his time in the vineyards to creating the perfect wine. He declared in 1872, after 30 years of research, that the formula for a wine to carry the Chianti name it must be composed of at least 70% Sangiovese, 20% Caniaolo and 10% either Trebbiano or Malvasia (the latter two being white grapes). This recipe was adopted by the Chianti DOC regulations and stood as the benchmark until 1984. Once Ricasoli made this pronouncement, the Chianti of Brolio became a widely known and respected producer of Chianti and it is still owned and produced by a Ricasoli, Barone Francesco Ricasoli, to this da