For Ricasoli, the season of events, trade fairs, and critical reviews is officially underway.

It all began with Wine Paris, the Vinexpo event in the French capital that kicked off the year’s trade fairs.

Last week, the Chianti Classico Collection took place—an event we previewed in our previous issue—and now, the major tasting tours for the most influential wine critics are beginning: James Suckling, Wine Spectator, Gambero Rosso International… In short, it’s an intense period of meetings with critics and industry professionals. A crucial time when the work, dedication, choices, and efforts of an entire year are judged by those on the other side of the tasting table—people who often hold the power to shape the success and reputation of a wine or winery.

But what do the world’s most respected journalists, critics, and Masters of Wine have to say about Ricasoli wines?

We’ve selected a few recent reviews that not only make us proud but have also piqued the curiosity of customers and enthusiasts.

Late last year, we participated in the Chianti Classico Trophy, a competition organized by Falstaff, the prestigious German wine magazine. To our great delight, the winner—the best wine of the entire appellation—was none other than our Roncicone Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2021. Othmar Kiem and Simon Staffler described it as “simply stunning!” and awarded it an outstanding 97 points. (And let’s not forget Colledilà, which also performed admirably, securing fourth place with an impressive 96 points.)

The official review accompanying Roncicone’s first-place ranking reads:
“Bright, rich ruby color with a delicate garnet rim. A finely nuanced nose with notes of fresh dark cherries, raspberry, and blood orange, complemented by rich spice. Great tension on the palate, brimming with juicy fruit, unfolding with fine, balanced tannins and a long finish.”

At the end of January, renowned German Master of Wine Konstantin Baum released a provocative and engaging video masterclass titled “20 Years After Sideways – Drinking Some Fcking Merlot.”* In it, he humorously challenges long-standing prejudices against Merlot-based wines. He revisits the iconic Sideways scene from 20 years ago, in which Merlot was dismissed as an easy, unremarkable wine—unworthy of true connoisseurs.

“But is that really the case?” Baum asks. Or does Merlot, depending on its terroir, produce wines of intensity, depth, power, and complexity?

To explore this question, he and his team selected exemplary Merlots from around the world—from Israel to Bordeaux, from Napa Valley to Tuscany—including our Casalferro 2019 IGT Toscana.

“This wine truly captivates me—it’s thrilling on the palate! My tongue is dancing!” he exclaims. He continues: “The nose is intense, with aromas of strawberry, cherry, and pepper, which carry through to the palate. A fascinating wine that grabs your attention, combining concentration with balance. A serious Merlot with great complexity. Truly exciting!” Baum awarded it 96 points, adding: “In 10 years, it will be even better!”

Just days before the Chianti Classico Collection, our friend and U.S. wine journalist Tony Wood published a late release with enthusiastic ratings for Brolio wines—further fueling anticipation for the new vintages presented at the event.

Here’s a review that particularly thrilled us, dedicated to Colledilà Chianti Classico Gran Selezione:
“Deep ruby red color. Aromatic profile of red rose petals, spice, mint, fennel pollen, and white smoke. Morello cherry, plum, salted licorice, cinnamon, and cloves. On the palate, it’s exuberant and highly expressive. Chalky tannins blend with lively acidity. Concentrated. Structured texture. A unique mineral expression. Perfectly balanced. It shines beautifully. 98 points!

Shortly after the Collection, the very first review of our Castello di Brolio Gran Selezione 2022 arrived. This vintage, still unreleased, was presented as an exclusive preview. Among the first to recognize its excellence was Raffaele Vecchione, the young and talented founder of WineCritics.

Here’s what he wrote:
“Precise and radiant in its sensory profile, revealing notes of blooming wisteria, magnolia, gardenia, and wild thyme. Full-bodied, perfectly ripe, and beautifully centered on the palate, it finishes with purity and honesty. Few wines can match its consistency and quality!” 94 points. Vecchione concluded with an encouraging “Drink now!”

Unfortunately, that won’t be possible just yet—we’ll have to wait a little longer as the wine needs to complete its bottle aging. It won’t be released until next July.

Still, the excitement lingers…