2016 Castello di Brolio Chianti Classico Gran Selezione
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Tasting notes
Gaiole in Chianti. 97% Sangiovese, 3% Abrusco (a rare, ancient Tuscan grape associated with deep colour, though not red-fleshed) on this historic estate at 400 – 500 m. Aged for 18 months in tonneaux (30% new). Bright cherry red. Sweeter than the average Chianti Classico. Almost as though there were some Merlot in here. But it takes to the refrigerator very happily on this sultry night. Just a suggestion of Sangiovese tanginess on the end. Decent balance and certainly ready to drink. But just a bit sweet and non-Tuscan to satisfy Walter(!), however well made. My (French) dinner guests enjoyed it. (JR)
Critic scores
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Walter Speller, jancisrobinson.com
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
This is the third of the single-vineyard Gran Selezione wines now being offered by Barone Ricasoli. Of the three, the 2016 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Castello di Brolio CeniPrimo is my favorite. This is also 100% Sangiovese and 6,000 bottles were made. The bouquet is bright and direct with a slightly wild or untamed side. I picked up notes of crushed white pepper and rosemary essence. You also get a distinct mineral note of slate or black rock. All this tops off a plummy fruit core in this pretty wine. Pair it with a Tuscan sausage and bean dish.
The 2016 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Castello di Brolio offers lovely creaminess and depth. Blood orange, wild flowers, chalk, mint and sweet red cherry all open up in the glass, with pretty floral top notes that add freshness. Soft and medium in body, the 2016 will drink well with minimal cellaring.
Thereâs lots of clove character here, but the fruit really shines through, offering up intense hibiscus, orange rind, cranberries, Thai basil and dark chocolate. Full-bodied and really structured and refined with an agile core of red berries and savory undertones. Long but minerally on the finish. Drink from 2024.