The 2021 vintage of Historia Familiae marks the beginning of a new chapter for this exceptional wine from the Ricasoli collection, produced only in extraordinary years. From this vintage onward, it will be a pure Cabernet Sauvignon, a choice that reflects the exceptional quality achieved by this grape variety. Grown in high-altitude vineyards (about 450 meters above sea level) on clay-limestone soils in Brolio, the Cabernet Sauvignon has found ideal conditions to fully express its elegance and character.

Historia Familiae was first created in 2013 to commemorate Francesco Ricasoli’s 20th anniversary at the helm of the Ricasoli estate. It celebrates the family’s long-standing tradition, symbolized by the precious, silk-screened bottle featuring the names of 61 ancestors, each significant in their own era. As Francesco Ricasoli explains, “With Historia Familiae, we wanted to honor not only our history but also the innovative spirit that has always been a hallmark of our family.”

The 2021 vintage experienced rather unusual weather conditions, with spring frosts followed by a prolonged summer drought, which led to early grape ripening. The Cabernet Sauvignon was harvested in early October, at the perfect moment for the grapes to reach their full potential. The wine was then aged for 20 months in barriques, 80% of which were new, a choice that emphasized the unique characteristics of the Cabernet Sauvignon. The result is a complex and structured wine, offering aromas of berries and spice on the nose, while the palate reveals a velvety, vibrant, and long-lasting finish. These qualities, along with its modernity and excellent aging potential, have also been noted by international wine critics.

“The decision to produce this wine as a 100% Cabernet Sauvignon is a natural evolution,” says Francesco Ricasoli. “These grapes, grown in the beautiful Alberese vineyards in Brolio, provide a refined expression of a terroir that continues to surprise and inspire us.” With a limited production of just a few thousand bottles, Historia Familiae will now showcase the expressive potential of a noble grape variety that remains relatively uncommon as a pure varietal in the Chianti Classico region.