One of my favourite producers of Chianti Classico is Ricasoli. I was happy to receive a bottle of their Brolio DOCG 2017 to review. I have reviewed and recommended past vintages of this wine, and I will continue to recommend it with the tasting of this vintage. One thing that I like is when a good quality cork is used. This cork is of excellent quality. One solid piece with few holes visible.
My Tasting Notes
Ricasoli Brolio Chianti Classico DOCG 2017 (BC $25.99 on sale till May 2) – a blend of 80% Sangiovese, 15% Merlot, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. This wine is fermented in stainless steel tanks with skin contact then aged for 9 months in second and third fill tonneaus. I did hear from Francesco Ricasoli that 2017 was a challenging vintage. So I went online and read that 2017 was the warmest and driest with the production about one third less than normal as many grapes suffered from shrivelling and overripeness. But this does not mean that the quality for all wineries was poor. Indeed some wineries are known for their consistent quality regardless of the vintage. Ricasoli is one of those wineries that I find produces wonderful wine every year.
This wine has a medium-plus deep garnet + ruby colour that is translucent to the core. It has a medium intensity nose with an intermingling of aromas that crossfade which is really interesting. You get aromas of red fruits, cedar, plum, red cherries, a hint of sweet spices, and with some swirling a floral component at different times as you nose this wine. When I decanted the wine the intensity on the nose was lighter intensity; I preferred the first opened wine aromas. It is dry with a medium-plus body; round and smooth with medium acidity and a fine tannic backbone. Red fruits, red cherries, plums, raspberries and floral flavours, along with a hint of toast and oak. The fruit flavours in the wine work together harmoniously. With decanting the wine has a lighter mouthfeel, drier, higher acidity and less tannins; so again I prefer the first opened flavours. For both my initial and my decanted tasting I did pick up a very faint minerality to the wine. You may not notice it. The wine has a medium-plus length finishing with tart black fruit, black pepper and oak flavours. After decanting the finishing flavours were more of red fruits and red cherries, along with the black pepper and oak. This wine is very unpretentious, delivering harmony and elegant fruit aromas and flavours. I recommend to pour the wine and enjoy. No need for a long decant.
Rating: 
A wonderfully harmonious red wine with red fruits and floral aromas and flavours. Medium acidity and fine tannins. No need to decant.
Where Can I Buy This Wine?
BC Liquor Stores carry this wine. Brolio is also available through EverythingWine but is not on sale.
Here is another article about Ricasoli, when the Barone came to Vancouver.
