Victoria, this Casalferro is divine,” whispered one of my dinner neighbors.
“It truly is,” I replied. “And believe it or not—it comes from the oldest winery in Italy.”
“Seriously?”
Yes—seriously.
The Ricasoli family settled in Castello di Brolio, nestled in the rolling hills of the Chianti region, as early as 1141. About 150 years ago, Baron Bettino Ricasoli, after a lifetime of studying Tuscan grapes, fulfilled his dream: to create a wine that could rival the best of France. And so, Chianti Classico was born.
Today, Francesco Ricasoli—32nd Baron of the family—carries on the legacy. Like many of his ancestors, he ensures that Castello di Brolio wines remain among the finest in Italy. The estate includes an on-site laboratory, which supports one of the largest research projects in Italy exploring how different soil compositions affect grape varietals.
Thanks to my friend Rossella, I found my way to the Brolio estate, where I formed a lasting friendship with Francesco Ricasoli himself. I learned more than I could have imagined about wine, tasting, and Tuscan cuisine.
I highly recommend the Gourmet Tour and Cooking Demonstrations offered by Castello di Brolio. These experiences allow you to taste the best Chianti Classico wines, paired with expertly selected dishes. The tour starts at the wine shop, continues through the gardens, the family’s chapel, the private museum, and the vast cellars—culminating in an unforgettable wine-paired dinner curated by the estate’s chef.
The cooking classes are equally rewarding. Spend an afternoon with the chef learning to prepare traditional Tuscan dishes using fresh, seasonal ingredients. After the class, enjoy a guided tour and a four-course meal that includes the dishes you helped prepare.
I hope you make it to Castello di Brolio someday. Francesco Ricasoli, the 32nd Baron and current owner and CEO of the estate, has taken on the mission to make the Ricasoli name renowned once more. “In 1990, I began overseeing production,” he says. “And after a long legal battle with former owners, we finally repurchased the Barone Ricasoli brand in 1993.”
His philosophy can be summed up in one word: quality. It all starts in the vineyards, with a strong focus on Sangiovese, aiming to craft top-tier Chianti Classico. Although Barone Ricasoli also produces IGT Super Tuscan wines, Ricasoli remains firmly rooted in the identity of his region. “Many so-called ‘Super Tuscans’ are more Tuscan than super,” he says with a smile. “The future of Tuscany is in Chianti Classico, in selected vineyards and noble grape varieties.”
Rocca Guicciarda and Castello di Brolio wines remain the flagships of the brand.
“Our concept is simple,” Ricasoli says. “Chianti Classico must be our leading wine, because it best expresses our terroir.”
He calls the 1993 repurchase a turning point. “It wasn’t just about courage. It took massive investments—especially in replanting the vineyards,” he explains. Admittedly, he had little experience in wine marketing or sales at the time. “That probably saved me,” he says. “I had no idea what I was getting into, so I had no preconceived limitations.”
And perhaps that’s the spirit of Castello di Brolio: deep roots, bold steps, and wines that carry the past into the future—one glass at a time.
Whether you’re a wine enthusiast, a history lover, or simply a traveler in search of meaningful experiences, a visit to Castello di Brolio is more than just a stop on the Tuscan wine trail — it’s a journey into the soul of Chianti. Walking among ancient vines, tasting wines that reflect centuries of expertise, and sharing a table with people who still believe in tradition — this is what makes Italy unforgettable. Castello di Brolio isn’t just where Chianti Classico was born. It’s where it still lives, breathes, and evolves with grace. Don’t just taste the wine — taste the story.