Four Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2021 vintage wines have just been previewed to the Italian and German press and are set to shine at Vinitaly: Castello di Brolio, Colledilà, Roncicone and CeniPrimo, in other words, the wines which represent the most successful manifestation of Brolio’s Sangiovese. They are the product of the best vineyards, where the most suitable clones of the vine are planted and thrive on soil typical of the Chianti region, singled out after long and painstaking research. “In the glass, we find four great personalities that we consider the ‘stars’ of our collection,” says Francesco Ricasoli.

Presenting them this year has special significance because Ricasoli, together with all the Chianti Classico producers, is celebrating, not only the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Consortium, but also the 10th anniversary of the creation of the Gran Selezione category. “Pivotal moments for the denomination in which we have played a leading role.” continues Francesco Ricasoli, “My grandfather Luigi was in fact one of the founding members of the Consortium in 1924 whilst, 90 years later, in 2014, I was one of the firmest supporters when the Gran Selezione was first launched.” So much so that the range includes no less than four labels in this category, each with its own unique identity deriving from the different soils, because the vinification process is similar for all of them.

Each of these four great reds tells a distinctive story about the Sangiovese 2021 vintage, a season that surprised right from the harvest for the great quality of the grapes brought to the winery in the face of some very challenging weather conditions such as a late frost in April and a period of high temperatures in June. “The vines showed their resilience and overcame these challenges, then the favorable temperature swings starting in August and the rains in September allowed for optimal ripening without compromising quality,” says Massimiliano Biagi, Ricasoli’s Technical Director.

Today, we find complexity and depth in the glass and wines that will give great satisfaction over time. Castello di Brolio, our flagship wine, which comes from six vineyards around the castle covering a total of 26 hectares, stands out for its elegance and balance, persistence and calibrated strength. Colledilà, Roncicone and CeniPrimo, wines from a single vineyard and thus small productions, each express unique characteristics: Colledilà, a complex structure and great elegance; Roncicone, energy and austerity as well as marked minerality; CeniPrimo, an intense bouquet, fine tannins and balsamic scents.

They will be available on the market as per specifications from 1 July. Soon, members of the Ricasoli Wine Club will be able to purchase an exclusive preview.