{"title":"Ricasoli","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"ricasoli-campo-ceni","title":"Ricasoli Campo Ceni","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRicasoli Campo Ceni\u003c\/strong\u003e is a Super Tuscan red blend of predominantly Sangiovese with Merlot, bottled at 14% ABV in a standard 750ml format. Produced by Barone Ricasoli — documented as the oldest winery in Italy and the fourth oldest family business in the world — this wine draws its character from the estate vineyards surrounding the historic Castello di Brolio in the heart of Tuscany.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 14%  |  Origin: Tuscany, Italy  |  Style: Super Tuscan IGT  |  Producer: Barone Ricasoli, Gaiole in Chianti\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBarone Ricasoli traces its winemaking lineage back to 1141, with the family credited as instrumental in defining the original Chianti blend in the 19th century under Baron Bettino Ricasoli. Campo Ceni represents the estate's young, approachable Super Tuscan expression — classified as an IGT Toscana rather than under the stricter Chianti Classico DOCG regulations, allowing the inclusion of Merlot alongside the dominant Sangiovese. The wine sees six months of oak aging, a relatively brief maturation designed to preserve fruit freshness and drinkability rather than layering heavy wood influence.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e The nose opens with bright red and dark fruit — black cherry, strawberry, and ripe plum — before giving way to subtle balsamic hints and light spice. There is an underlying earthiness that speaks to its Tuscan origin.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e On the palate, the entry is clean and fruit-forward, led by cherry and blackberry. The mid-palate fills out with notes of leather, tobacco, and warm spice, while delicate, sweet tannins provide structure without heaviness. The wine is full-bodied yet round, carrying a sense of balance and energy throughout.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Medium in length, the finish is smooth and velvety with lingering dark fruit and a whisper of earthy spice. The tannins resolve gently, leaving a clean, vinous impression.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Campo Ceni\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eCampo Ceni drinks well at a light cellar temperature of around 16–18°C (61–64°F), and its approachable tannins make it enjoyable without extended decanting. Its fruit-driven profile and moderate structure also make it a versatile wine for food-centered occasions. Try it alongside a classic Negroni Sbagliato, where its berry notes complement the bittersweet vermouth base. It also pairs naturally with a Sangria-style red wine punch, contributing depth and spice. For a simple aperitivo serve, a short pour alongside bruschetta and cured meats lets the wine's cherry fruit and earthy character shine.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeeknight Italian dinners featuring pasta with red sauce or grilled sausages\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntroducing someone to Tuscan reds without the higher price of Chianti Classico Riserva\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCasual gatherings where an easy-drinking but characterful red is needed\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBuilding a foundational understanding of Sangiovese-based blends from Tuscany\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Campo Ceni taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e Campo Ceni is a fruit-forward Tuscan red dominated by cherry, blackberry, and plum flavors, supported by soft tannins and notes of leather, tobacco, and warm spice. It is full-bodied yet round and balanced, with an approachable, velvety texture.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Campo Ceni compare to Ricasoli Chianti Classico?\u003c\/strong\u003e Campo Ceni is classified as an IGT Toscana (Super Tuscan) rather than a DOCG Chianti Classico, which means it blends Sangiovese with Merlot outside the stricter Chianti regulations. The result is generally softer and more fruit-driven than Ricasoli's Chianti Classico bottlings, which tend to show more structure, acidity, and traditional Sangiovese austerity.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Campo Ceni good for everyday drinking?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes — with six months of oak aging and a focus on fresh fruit character, Campo Ceni is designed as a young, approachable red that does not require extended cellaring or decanting to enjoy.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Campo Ceni made?\u003c\/strong\u003e Campo Ceni is produced by Barone Ricasoli at their historic Castello di Brolio estate in the commune of Gaiole in Chianti, within the Chianti Classico zone of Tuscany, Italy. Despite its Chianti heartland origins, the wine is classified as an IGT Toscana.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Campo Ceni?\u003c\/strong\u003e Grilled Italian sausages complement its smoky, spiced fruit. Pasta with bolognese or tomato-based ragù mirrors the wine's acidity and cherry notes. Aged pecorino cheese draws out the leather and earthy undertones. Roasted eggplant or mushroom dishes echo its savory depth. Pizza margherita is a straightforward match for its medium body and bright fruit.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Campo Ceni come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e Campo Ceni is widely available in the standard 750ml bottle format.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Campo Ceni worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e Campo Ceni positions as an entry-level Super Tuscan from one of the most historically significant estates in Italy, making it a strong value proposition within the broader Tuscan red wine category. For drinkers seeking authentic Sangiovese character without paying Chianti Classico Riserva or Gran Selezione prices, it delivers honest, well-made fruit at an accessible tier.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Campo Ceni?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFew wineries anywhere in the world can claim a continuous history dating to the 12th century, and that heritage alone gives Campo Ceni a provenance most wines at its price level cannot match. What distinguishes it within the Ricasoli range is its deliberate focus on youthful fruit vibrancy — the short six-month oak aging preserves the Sangiovese's natural cherry brightness while the Merlot component adds roundness and softness. It functions as an honest gateway to Tuscan reds: clearly Sangiovese-driven, clearly from quality terroir in Gaiole in Chianti, yet unburdened by the extended aging and higher price tags of the estate's DOCG-classified wines. For anyone building familiarity with Italian reds, Campo Ceni represents a reliable, well-structured starting point from a producer with nearly nine centuries of experience.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ricasoli","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44836857413801,"sku":"21120","price":15.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}]},{"product_id":"ricasoli-casalferro-2018","title":"Ricasoli Casalferro 2018","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRicasoli Casalferro 2018\u003c\/strong\u003e is a 100% Merlot from Tuscany's Brolio estate, bottled at 14.5% ABV in a standard 750ml format under the Toscana IGT designation. Awarded 95 points by James Suckling and 97 points by The Wine Independent, this vintage represents one of the more celebrated releases of a wine that Barone Ricasoli only bottles in years deemed worthy — notably skipping the scorching 2017 vintage entirely.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 14.5%  |  Origin: Gaiole in Chianti, Tuscany, Italy  |  Toscana IGT  |  Producer: Barone Ricasoli\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBarone Ricasoli, headquartered at the historic Castello di Brolio in Gaiole in Chianti, is one of Italy's oldest wine estates — its roots in Tuscan winemaking stretch back centuries. Casalferro draws fruit from three distinct vineyard sites: Vigna Casalferro, Vigna Pecchierino, and Vigna Sodacci, with one plot situated at roughly 500 meters above sea level, lending cool-climate character to the Merlot. After harvest, grapes ferment in stainless steel tanks at 24–27°C with 14 to 18 days of skin contact, followed by 21 months of maturation in tonneaux and barriques — 30% new oak, with the remaining 70% on second and third passage. The result is a structured, site-driven Merlot that prioritizes vineyard expression over heavy-handed extraction.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e The nose opens with concentrated violets and ripe blackcurrant, followed by layers of sweet spice, dried herbs, and a subtle thread of menthol. After time in the glass, the floral intensity deepens and integrates with cedar and incense-like complexity.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The entry is soft and mouthfilling, building through the mid-palate with dark plum, espresso, and loam. Tannins are dense but remarkably fine-grained, carrying flavors of sweet spice, licorice, and dried mint across a medium-full body. There is genuine vertical power here, yet an underlying elegance keeps everything in proportion.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Long and lustrous, with lingering notes of rosemary, thyme, and dark fruit. The oak influence resolves cleanly, leaving a savory, aromatic persistence that invites another sip.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Casalferro 2018\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis wine is at its best served at 16–18°C with 30 to 60 minutes of decanting to allow the aromatics to fully unfold. Neat in a large-bowled Bordeaux glass is the ideal approach, letting the fine tannin structure and layered spice speak for themselves. For cocktail-adjacent applications, Casalferro's dark-fruit intensity and herbal depth make it a compelling base for a \u003cstrong\u003eSangria Nobile\u003c\/strong\u003e with fresh blackberries and rosemary, a refined \u003cstrong\u003eTuscan Mulled Wine\u003c\/strong\u003e during cooler months using whole cloves and orange peel to mirror its spice notes, or a sophisticated \u003cstrong\u003eRed Wine Spritz\u003c\/strong\u003e with a splash of sparkling water and a sprig of thyme to highlight its herbal finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting a serious wine enthusiast who appreciates single-varietal Tuscan expressions\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAnchoring an Italian-themed dinner party with hearty, meat-driven courses\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCellaring for special occasions — the 2018 vintage has demonstrated strong aging potential\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExploring high-altitude Merlot as an alternative to Right Bank Bordeaux\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Casalferro 2018 taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e It delivers dark plum, blackcurrant, and espresso flavors wrapped in fine-grained tannins, with herbal accents of rosemary, thyme, and dried mint. The overall impression is medium-full bodied with a balance of power and elegance.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Casalferro 2018 compare to Right Bank Bordeaux Merlots?\u003c\/strong\u003e Casalferro shares the dark-fruit concentration and structured tannins of premium Right Bank Merlot, but brings distinctly Tuscan elements — dried Mediterranean herbs, incense, and loamy earth — that set it apart. Multiple critics have noted its competitive quality against Bordeaux counterparts, often at a more accessible price tier.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Casalferro 2018 good for sipping neat?\u003c\/strong\u003e Absolutely — with 95 points from James Suckling and ultra-fine tannins, this is a wine built for contemplative drinking. A brief decant enhances its aromatic complexity and softens the structure further.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Casalferro 2018 made?\u003c\/strong\u003e Casalferro is produced by Barone Ricasoli at their historic Castello di Brolio estate in Gaiole in Chianti, within the heart of Tuscany, Italy. The grapes are sourced from three specific vineyard sites at varying elevations, including one at approximately 500 meters above sea level.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Casalferro 2018?\u003c\/strong\u003e Braised short ribs complement the wine's dark fruit and savory depth. Grilled lamb chops with rosemary echo its herbal finish. Aged pecorino cheese mirrors its earthy, spice-laden character. Wild mushroom risotto pairs beautifully with the loam and cedar notes. Dark chocolate desserts with espresso elements extend the palate's richness.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Casalferro 2018 come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e Casalferro 2018 is available in the standard 750ml bottle format.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Casalferro 2018 worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e Casalferro positions as a premium single-vineyard-quality Tuscan red, and with scores of 95 from James Suckling and 97 from The Wine Independent, it delivers critical acclaim that competes with wines at significantly higher price points. For collectors of Italian Merlot or those exploring alternatives to Bordeaux, it represents strong value within its tier.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Casalferro 2018?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhat sets the 2018 apart is Barone Ricasoli's refusal to produce Casalferro in subpar years — the 2017 vintage was skipped entirely due to extreme heat, making the 2018's return a statement of quality. The tri-vineyard sourcing strategy, including fruit from 500 meters elevation, gives this Merlot a cool-climate tension rarely found in Tuscan reds. Backed by 95 points from James Suckling, 97 from The Wine Independent, and 93 from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, the critical consensus is clear: this is one of Italy's most compelling expressions of Merlot. For anyone seeking a wine that bridges Bordeaux structure with unmistakable Tuscan identity, Casalferro 2018 earns serious consideration.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ricasoli","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44836857446569,"sku":"21200","price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/RicasoliCasalferro2018.webp?v=1755390098"},{"product_id":"ricasoli-chianti","title":"Ricasoli Chianti","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRicasoli Chianti\u003c\/strong\u003e is a Sangiovese-dominant Tuscan red wine bottled at 13% ABV in a standard 750ml format. Produced by Barone Ricasoli—one of Italy's oldest wine estates, with documented roots stretching back to 1141—this Chianti earned a Double Gold at SommCon for the 2021 vintage, a testament to the estate's enduring quality.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 13%  |  Origin: Chianti DOCG, Tuscany, Italy  |  Blend: 80% Sangiovese, 15% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon  |  Producer: Barone Ricasoli\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBarone Ricasoli operates from the historic Castello di Brolio, where Baron Bettino Ricasoli developed the original Chianti formula in the 19th century. The estate has identified nineteen distinct soil types across the Brolio vineyards and employs comprehensive terroir zonation, vinifying individual plots separately in small, gravity-fed stainless steel vats. This Chianti undergoes fermentation at controlled temperatures between 24°C and 27°C with 14 to 16 days of skin contact, extracting color and structure while preserving the bright fruit character of Sangiovese. The Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon components contribute mid-palate weight and aromatic complexity to the final blend.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e Red cherry and plum lead the nose, followed by cedar and subtle leather. Gentle floral accents and a whisper of sweet spice emerge as the wine opens in the glass.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The entry is bright and fruit-driven, with ripe red cherry and pomegranate giving way to a savory mid-palate of earth and dried herbs. Firm acidity provides backbone, while the Merlot component adds a supple roundness that balances the Sangiovese's natural grip.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Medium in length with a dusty tannic texture and lingering notes of cedar and citrus peel. The finish stays dry and appetizing, inviting the next sip or the next bite.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Ricasoli Chianti\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003ePour at 16–18°C and allow 15 to 20 minutes of air before drinking neat; a brief decant opens up the cedar and floral layers further. This is a food-friendly red by nature, but it also works in these cocktails: a \u003cstrong\u003eChianti Sangria\u003c\/strong\u003e built with orange, pomegranate, and rosemary plays to its fruit-forward side; a \u003cstrong\u003eKalimotxo\u003c\/strong\u003e (red wine and cola over ice) turns it into a casual warm-weather refresher; and a \u003cstrong\u003eNew York Sour\u003c\/strong\u003e, where it floats over a whiskey sour base, gains depth from the wine's earthy Sangiovese tannins.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeeknight Italian dinners featuring pasta, pizza, or risotto\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntroducing friends to quality Tuscan Sangiovese without a steep price tag\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHosting a comparative tasting of Italian DOCG reds\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting a wine-curious colleague with a bottle carrying genuine historical pedigree\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Ricasoli Chianti taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e It delivers bright red cherry and pomegranate fruit supported by earthy cedar and dried herb notes, with firm acidity and a dusty tannic finish that keeps the wine lively and food-friendly.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Ricasoli Chianti compare to Brunello di Montalcino?\u003c\/strong\u003e Both rely on Sangiovese as the primary grape, but Brunello di Montalcino is 100% Sangiovese and requires a minimum of five years aging before release, producing a more concentrated and age-worthy wine at a significantly higher price. Ricasoli Chianti blends Sangiovese with Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon for approachable, earlier-drinking fruit and a softer tannic profile.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Ricasoli Chianti good for beginners?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes—its balanced acidity, moderate tannins, and bright fruit make it an accessible entry point into Tuscan reds, while the Barone Ricasoli name offers genuine heritage rather than a generic introduction to the category.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Ricasoli Chianti made?\u003c\/strong\u003e It is produced by Barone Ricasoli at the Castello di Brolio estate in Tuscany's Chianti zone, one of Italy's most historic winemaking regions and the birthplace of the original Chianti blend.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Ricasoli Chianti?\u003c\/strong\u003e Tomato-based pasta dishes like pappardelle al ragù highlight the wine's acidity; grilled sausages and roasted pork match its savory depth; aged Pecorino Toscano echoes its earthy, herbaceous side; margherita pizza mirrors its red-fruited brightness; and bruschetta with olive oil and garlic provides a classic Tuscan complement.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Ricasoli Chianti come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e The standard offering is a 750ml bottle, which is the most widely available format.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Ricasoli Chianti worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e It positions as an entry-level to mid-range Chianti DOCG, but the estate's 900-year winemaking history and plot-by-plot vinification approach deliver quality and character well above what that price tier typically provides.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Ricasoli Chianti?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBarone Ricasoli is not simply a producer within Chianti—it is the estate where the Chianti blend was originally codified. That history translates into tangible winemaking advantages: nineteen mapped soil types at Brolio, gravity-fed vinification of individual vineyard parcels, and generations of expertise with Sangiovese on this specific terroir. The 2021 vintage's Double Gold at SommCon confirmed that this approach delivers real results at a competitive price point. For a Chianti that carries authentic Tuscan provenance and structured, food-ready character, few bottles in the category can claim comparable heritage.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ricasoli","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44836857479337,"sku":"3753","price":13.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/ricasoli_chianti__19016.jpg?v=1730473167"},{"product_id":"ricasoli-chianti-classico-colledila-2018","title":"Ricasoli Chianti Classico Colledila 2018","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRicasoli Chianti Classico Colledila 2018\u003c\/strong\u003e is a 100% Sangiovese Gran Selezione from a single vineyard in Tuscany's Chianti Classico DOCG, bottled at 13.5% ABV in a standard 750ml format. This cru-level expression has earned widespread critical acclaim, including 98 points from Tony Wood Italian Wine and 97 points from WinesCritic.com, cementing its status among the finest wines Chianti Classico produces.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 13.5%  |  Origin: Chianti Classico DOCG, Tuscany, Italy  |  Gran Selezione  |  Winery: Barone Ricasoli\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBarone Ricasoli traces its roots to 1141, making it one of the oldest wine-producing estates in Italy. The family's legacy is inseparable from Chianti itself — Baron Bettino Ricasoli formulated the original Chianti blend in 1872. The Colledilà vineyard sits at 380 meters above sea level on a southeast-facing slope of clayey-limestone soil rich in calcium carbonate and notably poor in organic matter — a terroir considered among the most representative in all of Chianti Classico. Planted in 1997 at a density of 6,600 vines per hectare using Sangiovese clones VCR23, VCR5, and the estate's own Brolio selection, the 7.62-hectare plot is trained on spurred cordon. Fermentation occurs at 24°–27°C with daily punch-downs over a 14- to 16-day maceration period. The wine then ages for 22 months in 500-litre tonneaux, of which 30% are new oak and 70% second passage.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e The nose opens with juicy blood orange and wild strawberry before layering in red rose petals, sandalwood, and hints of fennel pollen. Deeper in the glass, toasted hazelnut, white smoke, and Mediterranean notes of juniper berry and fresh marjoram emerge.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The entry is exuberant and highly expressive, immediately presenting morello cherry and plum alongside salted licorice and cinnamon. At mid-palate, velvety tannins with a chalky texture integrate seamlessly with lively acidity, revealing a distinctive mineral core rooted in the vineyard's limestone-rich soils. The wine feels full-bodied yet polished, with a roundness that keeps it decidedly approachable despite its concentration.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Long and radiant, carrying lingering impressions of sweet cherry, clove, and crushed stone. The tannins melt gradually, leaving a clean mineral signature and gentle warmth that invites the next sip.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Colledila 2018\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis Gran Selezione is at its most revealing served neat in a large-bowled glass at around 16–18°C; a 30-minute decant allows the layered aromatics to fully unfold. The wine's structure and acidity also make it an outstanding food wine — think of it as a complement to the table rather than a cocktail ingredient. A \u003cstrong\u003eNegroni Sbagliato\u003c\/strong\u003e could be built around a similar Sangiovese if you want a spritz-style aperitif that echoes its bitter-cherry character, though this particular bottle is best reserved for the dinner course.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting a serious Italian wine collector or Sangiovese enthusiast\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAnchoring a Tuscan-themed dinner with aged cheeses and cured meats\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCellaring as a reference-point Chianti Classico Gran Selezione (drinking window through 2035+)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCelebrating a milestone alongside bistecca alla fiorentina or slow-braised lamb\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Colledila 2018 taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e It leads with morello cherry, plum, and salted licorice wrapped in velvety, chalky tannins, followed by cinnamon, clove, and a pronounced mineral finish driven by the vineyard's calcium-carbonate-rich soil.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Colledila 2018 compare to Castello di Ama Gran Selezione?\u003c\/strong\u003e Both are single-vineyard, 100% Sangiovese Gran Selezioni from Chianti Classico, and critics have noted that wines at this level rival Brunello di Montalcino in structure and depth. Colledila tends toward a rounder, more mineral-driven profile shaped by its limestone soils, while Castello di Ama's La Casuccia often shows a more taut, floral character.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Colledila 2018 good for sipping neat?\u003c\/strong\u003e Absolutely — it is designed as a contemplative, food-friendly wine best appreciated neat with a short decant to let the aromatics open fully.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Colledila 2018 made?\u003c\/strong\u003e It is produced by Barone Ricasoli at their historic Brolio estate in the heart of the Chianti Classico DOCG in Tuscany, Italy, from the single Colledilà vineyard at 380 meters elevation.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Colledila 2018?\u003c\/strong\u003e Bistecca alla fiorentina highlights the wine's tannin structure and acidity. Pappardelle with wild boar ragù mirrors its earthy depth. Aged Pecorino Toscano echoes its savory, mineral side. Herb-roasted lamb shoulder complements the juniper and marjoram aromatics. Grilled portobello mushrooms with rosemary work as a vegetarian option that matches its full body.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Colledila 2018 come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e The standard release is a 750ml bottle; larger formats have not been widely documented for this vintage.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Colledila 2018 worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e Colledila positions as a premium-to-ultra-premium expression within the Chianti Classico hierarchy, sitting at Gran Selezione — the appellation's highest tier. With multiple scores at 95 points and above, it delivers critical performance that competes with Tuscan wines at significantly higher price points.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Colledila 2018?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eGran Selezione is the pinnacle classification in Chianti Classico, and Colledila consistently ranks among its finest examples. The 2018 vintage channeled a warm, balanced growing season into a wine of remarkable concentration and polish, earning 98 points from Tony Wood Italian Wine and 97 from WinesCritic.com. What truly sets it apart is provenance: a single southeast-facing vineyard on stony, calcium-carbonate-rich soils that impart a chalky mineral signature nearly impossible to replicate elsewhere in the appellation. Produced by a family that has shaped Chianti's identity for nearly nine centuries, the Colledila 2018 stands not just as an exceptional bottle but as a direct expression of one of Tuscany's most storied terroirs.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ricasoli","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44837020958889,"sku":"24930","price":69.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/Ricasoli-Chianti-Classico-Colledila-2008__65095.jpg?v=1730476568"}],"url":"https:\/\/theliquorbarn.com\/collections\/ricasoli.oembed","provider":"The Liquor Barn","version":"1.0","type":"link"}