Barone Ricasoli - Colledila Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2020 (750ml)

 

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93

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92

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95

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97

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Producer	Barone Ricasoli
Country	Italy
Region	Tuscany
Varietal	Sangiovese
Vintage	2020
Sku	210000002652
Size	750ml

Barone Ricasoli Colledila Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2020

Served @ DB's "Chianti VS Valpolicella" Tasting #1 Wine on flight! 

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.

Winemaker Notes: Ruby red color. Intense and elegant nose with ripe plum, wood notes and caramel. Round, silky and elegant in the mouth with velvety tannins, which, together with a crisp acidity, gives a wrapped softening mouthfeel.

Very perfumed with hibiscus flower, citrus and fresh cherry aromas that follow through to a medium body with layers of fruit and very fine tannins that go on and on. Totally integrated. A joy to taste and drink but will improve beautifully in the bottle.

Of these releases from 2020, I feel that the Barone Ricasoli 2020 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Colledilà is the most sensitive to the warm growing season. You sense more fruit ripeness in this wine with savory spice, leather and toasted espresso bean. There is plenty of plum and purple fruit that is framed by crushed stone and campfire ash. Although the bouquet is not quite as brilliant as the 2019 vintage, this expression from 2020 does indeed offer pretty, balanced freshness in terms of mouthfeel.

Like a laser beam in profile, this red evokes cherry, currant, mineral, wild herb and sweet spice aromas and flavors. The lingering, incisive finish leaves a dusting of fine tannins. Needs time. Best from 2025 through 2040.

The nose has highlights of rich, ripe fruit, but with a savory balance provided by balsamic, mushrooms and natural notes of wood and stone. On the palate, sweet fruit continues and is emphasized by vanilla undertones, with a latent earthiness maintaining the woodsy balance.