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Colledila Gran Selezione
Barone Ricasoli

Colledila Gran Selezione

Sale price$90.00
Vintage:

The Vineyard

The vineyards at Castello di Brolio, home to Barone Ricasoli, span altitudes from 720 to 1,640 feet (220 to 500 meters) above sea level with predominantly south and southwest exposures. The Mediterranean climate features mild winters with rare snowfalls, hot, dry summers, and annual rainfall averaging 32 inches (813 mm), concentrated in spring and autumn.

Sangiovese is the dominant variety. Extensive zoning research has identified nineteen distinct soil types across the estate, the following five of which are key:

Macigno del Chianti Formation: Sand and rocks with low organic matter at 1,310-1,640 feet (400-500 m) altitude. Vines: Sangiovese, Merlot, Chardonnay.

Scaglia Toscana: Thin, schist-based soil at 1,310-1,640 feet (400-500 m) altitude. Vines: Sangiovese.

Monte Morello Formation: Calcareous clay at 1,150-1,280 feet (350-390 m) altitude. Vines: Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot.

Marine Deposit: Sandy sediments and clay at 980-1,150 feet (300-350 m) altitude. Vines: Sangiovese.

Ancient Fluvial Terrace: Silty, clay-based soil at 850-980 feet (260-300 m) altitude. Vines: Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon.

The Winery

Barone Ricasoli is one of the oldest wineries in Italy, with a winemaking legacy dating back to 1141. Located in Chianti Classico, the estate spans over 3,000 acres (1,200 hectares), including 600 acres (240 hectares) of vineyards surrounding the historic Castello di Brolio. As a pioneer in Tuscan viticulture, the Ricasoli family played a pivotal role in defining the original Chianti formula in 1872, using Sangiovese for aroma, Canaiolo to soften the mouthfeel, and Malvasia to advance drinkability.

Baron Bettino Ricasoli (1809–1880) is the winemaking pioneer who sought to improve Tuscan wine through his extensive travels to neighboring wine-producing countries like France and the application of the latest scientific tools. The estate continues this approach today working with modern materials like stainless steel and using tools like microoxygenation to shape mouthfeel.

Tuscany

Tuscany, Italy, is renowned for its Sangiovese-based wines, such as Chianti Classico and Brunello di Montalcino, as well as its international blends, coined “Super Tuscans”, which are made partially or entirely from Bordeaux varietals. The region’s diverse topography features rolling hills, valleys, and coastal areas, with soils ranging from clay and limestone-rich galestro to sandy and alluvial compositions. Tuscany’s traditions are partly shaped by Sangiovese, which can vary dramatically in structure and astringency and requiring more oxidation during winemaking, emphasizing a rustic savory style instead of fruit purity. Still, its younger regions like Bolgheri are focal points for modern influence.