On February 17 and 18, the much-anticipated “Chianti Classico Collection” will take place at the Stazione Leopolda in Florence. This extraordinary event offers a unique opportunity to discover the new vintages ready for release—wines that tell the story of the dedication and passion of those working in the vineyard, through challenges and dreams.

For our readers, we want to preview this event with a glimpse of the 2023 and 2022 vintages—two years that challenged the Brolio vineyards but ultimately led to extraordinary results, thanks to the meticulous work and deep knowledge of the Ricasoli team. We’re talking about wines that represent the soul of Chianti Classico and, in particular, the essence of the Brolio winery: Brolio Chianti Classico 2023, officially launching at the end of March; Brolio Riserva and Chianti Classico Brolio Bettino 2022, available in just a few days; and the Gran Selezioni, all 2022, which will require a little more time until early July.

2023 was a challenging year, marked by an unusual climate. Frequent rains alternated with above-average temperatures and persistent humidity, leading to unexpected challenges. However, the team at Brolio is resilient, and thanks to continuous vineyard monitoring and the use of predictive models, the result was a bountiful harvest, both in terms of quality and yield. After the rain ended, nature responded with warm, dry conditions that allowed for the steady maturation of the grapes. Veraison occurred at the end of July, and the harvest began in the last ten days of September with the Roncicone cru, concluding in early October. The result? A fruity, fresh, and harmonious wine, where the tannins—though present—have refined over time, becoming elegant with age. This Chianti Classico tells the story of the resilience of the vines and the expertise of those who cultivate them.

The 2022 vintage was marked by a severe drought, one of the most significant in the last twenty years. A huge challenge that tested not only the vines but also the deep knowledge of the soils and the expertise of those working in the vineyards. After a cool and humid spring, summer brought scorching temperatures and a complete lack of rain. But the response was swift and skilled. With impeccable management of water resources and the vine canopy to protect the grape clusters, the Ricasoli team faced the situation with the awareness that every year is different, and that understanding the land and the vines is key to overcoming any difficulty. The high-quality rains in August revitalized the plants, leading to the Sangiovese harvest in mid-September and completing the harvest with perfect maturation. In the cellar, vinification was carried out with extreme care, avoiding excessive extraction to create structured wines with velvety and elegant tannins. A 2022 vintage that delivers rich fruity notes and a bold character, reflecting the resilience of nature and the expertise of those who know how to listen to it.

In a world that is constantly changing, responding to climatic challenges is never easy. But the story of Brolio, its vineyards, and its wines proves that passion, experience, and respect for the land are the essential ingredients needed to face even the most difficult seasons. In both the 2023 and 2022 vintages, the knowledge gained from decades of work and study serves as a custodian of a heritage that is reflected in every sip of Brolio‘s wines.