Somm Summ 2010-05-11

Here is a great find from an old - and I mean about as old as you can get under the same name / same family - producer. The Barones Ricasoli date back to 1141 (869 year ago!), which means they have been making wine under the family name since the 12th Century. Situated in the very heart of the Chianti Classico region - this winery literally defines Chianti Classico. In fact, it was the Barone Ricasoli in the late 1800s who defined the formula for Chianti that was used for over 100 years - literally creating the modern style of Chianti.

Today, Barone Ricasoli Chianti and Super Tuscan wines are generous wines with rich fruit flavors, mouthfilling tannins, and very polished finishes.

I was quite impressed with the current range of offerings, but it was the Ricasoli Chianti Classico Brolio, 2006 that really caught my attention. I am a fan of Chianti Classico in general, and this wine for me delivers a lot of youthful fruit and classic aromas, but still maintains the acid and herbaceousness that I look for from Chianti Classico. This wine expresses it origins, but will appeal to (dare I say it) New World wine drinkers.

This wine should retail for about $20, or less.