Barone Ricasoli

The Ricasoli family has owned Brolio Castle since 1141, with documented winemaking stretching back to at least the 1500s. By the 1600s, the estate was already exporting wine to Amsterdam and England. The family's most consequential contribution came in 1872, when Baron Bettino Ricasoli, known as the Iron Baron, formalized a Chianti Classico blend after three decades of research. That formula, built on Sangiovese with Canaiolo and white grapes, became the foundation for modern Chianti Classico regulations. Bettino Ricasoli was also a statesman of considerable stature, serving twice as Prime Minister of unified Italy.

• Castle ownership documented from 1141; the Ricasoli family traced back to the 7th century
• Wine exports to Amsterdam and England recorded in the 1600s
• Bettino Ricasoli's 1872 formula established Sangiovese as the backbone of Chianti Classico
• Brolio Castle was reinforced by Renaissance architect Giuliano da Sangallo in the late 15th century

Francesco Ricasoli, the 32nd Baron, restored full family ownership in 1993 after repurchasing the brand from Seagram. Under his direction, Barone Ricasoli has become the largest estate in Chianti Classico and a leader in vineyard research. The estate spans the communes of Gaiole in Chianti and Castelnuovo Berardenga, with vineyards planted across diverse elevations and exposures. Single-vineyard crus including Colledilà, Roncicone, and CeniPrimo express distinct terroir characteristics, and the estate holds Equalitas certification for its sustainable and biodynamic vineyard practices.

• Francesco Ricasoli has led the estate as President since 1993
• The estate is the largest and oldest in Chianti Classico
• Named crus include Colledilà, Roncicone, and CeniPrimo
• Equalitas certification reflects the estate's commitment to sustainable and biodynamic farming

The estate's vineyards sit at elevations ranging from 260 to 500 meters above sea level across the rolling hills of Gaiole in Chianti, where a Mediterranean climate combines with diverse microclimates created by varying exposures. Soil mapping has identified 19 distinct soil types on the property. The primary soil types include Macigno del Chianti (sandstone), Scaglia Toscana (Galestro), and Monte Morello (Alberese), alongside marine deposits, marl, and sandstone. Stony fragments throughout these soils contribute mineral richness to the wines.

• Vineyards range from 260 to 500 meters above sea level
• 19 distinct soil types identified through systematic mapping
• Key soils: Macigno del Chianti (sandstone), Scaglia Toscana (Galestro), Monte Morello (Alberese)
• Mediterranean climate with diverse microclimates across the estate's varied exposures

Sangiovese anchors the estate's output, expressed across Chianti Classico, Chianti Classico Riserva, and the flagship Castello di Brolio Gran Selezione, which is made from 100% Sangiovese. The estate also produces IGT Toscana Super Tuscan wines using international varieties including Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. White wines made from Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, a rosé, Vin Santo, and passito wines round out the portfolio. Traditional varieties Canaiolo, Trebbiano, and Malvasia are also grown on the estate.

• Castello di Brolio Gran Selezione is the flagship wine, 100% Sangiovese
• Range includes Chianti Classico, Riserva, Gran Selezione, and IGT Super Tuscans
• White wines produced from Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc
• Traditional varieties Canaiolo, Trebbiano, and Malvasia remain part of the estate's plantings