Brolio Chianti Classico Riserva (1975)

About this wine

The 1975 Brolio Chianti Classico Riserva from Barone Ricasoli presents a deep garnet hue, indicative of its age. On the nose, it offers a bouquet of dried cherries, leather, and earthy notes, reflecting its decades of maturation. The palate reveals a harmonious blend of softened tannins and balanced acidity, with flavors of dried red fruits, tobacco, and a hint of spice. This wine hails from the historic Castello di Brolio estate, which has been producing wines since 1141, making it one of the oldest wine estates in Italy. The 1975 vintage was noted for its excellent quality in Tuscany, contributing to the wine's remarkable longevity and depth.

About the grape

In the 1975 Barone Ricasoli Brolio Chianti Classico Riserva, Sangiovese serves as the primary grape, a tradition rooted in the 19th century when Barone Bettino Ricasoli emphasized its role in Chianti wines. Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, though not traditional in Chianti blends, were incorporated to add depth and complexity. This blending approach was part of a broader trend in Tuscany during the 1970s, where winemakers experimented with non-native varieties to enhance their wines. The inclusion of these grapes in the 1975 vintage reflects this innovative spirit, aiming to create a more robust and nuanced wine.

Quick facts

• 🏰 The Ricasoli family has been producing wine at Castello di Brolio since 1141, making it one of the oldest wine estates in the world.
• 🍇 Baron Bettino Ricasoli, known as the 'Iron Baron,' formulated the original Chianti recipe in 1872, emphasizing Sangiovese as the primary grape.
• 🐓 The black rooster, or 'gallo nero,' is the symbol of Chianti Classico, stemming from a medieval legend about a race between knights from Florence and Siena.
• 🍷 The 1975 vintage of Brolio Chianti Classico Riserva is notable for its blend of Sangiovese, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon, showcasing the estate's innovative approach to winemaking.
• 🏰 Castello di Brolio has been rebuilt multiple times due to its strategic location, with the current structure reflecting a Gothic Revival style from the 19th century.

Palate profile

Producer

Barone Ricasoli, established in 1141, is Italy's oldest winery, with its roots deeply embedded in the Chianti Classico region. The Ricasoli family has been instrumental in shaping the area's viticulture, notably with Baron Bettino Ricasoli formulating the original Chianti recipe in 1872, emphasizing Sangiovese as the primary grape. The estate spans 1,200 hectares, including 240 hectares of vineyards and 26 hectares of olive groves, surrounding the historic Brolio Castle. Today, under the leadership of Francesco Ricasoli, the winery combines centuries-old traditions with modern innovations to produce wines that reflect the unique terroir of Tuscany.