2016 Barone Ricasoli Chianti Classico Brolio

92 James Suckling: Rich aromas of black cherries, raspberries and hazelnuts. Hints of caramel, too. Full body, velvety and polished tannins and a bright, glorious finish. Drink or hold.

Chianti Blend refers to classic, long-established combination of wine grapes used in the wines of Chianti and other parts of Tuscany. The blend’s primary constituent is Tuscany’s favorite grape variety, Sangiovese. Chianti’s DOCG’s rules require a minimum 70 percent component. The figure rises to 75 for Chianti Colli Senesi, and 80 percent for Chianti Classico.This can be accompanied by small quantities of lesser-known Tuscan grape varieties Canaiolo, Colorino, Ciliegiolo and Mammolo. The typical wine made from this blend shows aromas of red fruits, violets, dried herbs and bitter cherries.

Chianti Classico is the heartland of the Chianti wine region – its traditional and longest-established viticultural area. The term classico is used in this way in several Italian wine regions (Orvieto and Valpolicella, for example), although Chianti is the most famous example. The typical Chianti Classico wine is a ruby-red, Sangiovese-based wine with aromas of violets and cherries and a hint of earthy spice.

Since the 1920s bottles of Chianti Classico wine have been marked by the DOCG’s black cockerel (Gallo Nero) logo. However bottles sold in the US are not adorned with the bird, after a long running legal dispute begun by E&J Gallo Winery in 1991 was concluded in favor of the American company.

Barone Ricasoli is the largest and oldest wine estate in the Chianti Classico region and is one of the four oldest businesses in the world. Based at the famous Castello di Brolio in Gaiole, it is known for its top-quality Sangiovese-dominant wines, and has a reputation for fair pricing.