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Baron Ricasoli 1141
Francesco Ricasoli owns one of the most historic properties in Chianti Classico. According to the American writer and Italian wine expert, Burton Anderson (Best Italian Wines), "Ricasoli is the oldest winery in the world"
Dating back to the 12th century, Castello di Brolio has risen above the vineyards and olive groves that surround the medieval town of Gaiole, Chianti, in the heart of Tuscany. A noble lineage of feudal landowners has ruled the estate, including, in the 18th century, twice Prime Minister of Italy, Bettino Ricasoli, known locally as Il Barone di Ferro. His research led him to plant Bordeaux grape varieties on the slopes of Brolio, as well as to develop, in 1874, the charter for the original Chianti Classico appellation, based on 80% from Sangiovese, Canaiolo and Colorino.
In this context, Francesco Ricasoli, the 32nd Barone Ricasoli, is the owner and CEO of one of the most historic and important properties in Chianti Classico.
After World War II, Barone Ricasoli had sold the brand, "Castello di Brolio", to the Canadian multinational giant Seagram. As feudal landowners, the family continued to manage the land, selling the wine production to Seagram.
"The 1960s was a difficult time for landowners." Italy was undergoing an industrial revolution and the peasants were moving to the cities. For this reason it was sold to Seagram.
It wasn't until the 1990s, after Seagram had been sold to Hardy's, and with the new stimulus and increased quality of Tuscan wines, that Ricasoli felt the time had come to take the plunge and buy the brand back. familiar.
Francesco Ricasoli undoubtedly inherited many of his great-great-grandfather's qualities. In 1990, prepared with a fighting spirit and great determination, he decided to take over the management of the family's 1,200ha (hectares) of land. A professional photographer by profession, he was a bit intimidated by the enormous responsibility.
"It was a challenge," admits Ricasoli, after some tough legal battles with the previous owners, finally landing the purchase of the Barone Ricasoli brand in 1993."
When Ricasoli took over, there were two fundamental concepts that he put into practice. 'The first: clear and concrete ideas. The second: involve a team of valid people.
His team was very important, consisting of Francesco Mazzei, a close friend and owner of the neighboring Chianti Classico property, Fonterutoli, who stepped in as managing director. Carlo Ferrini, considered today one of Italy's best winemakers, took over on the production side, while Ricasoli slowly rebuilt his empire. Today, this adds up to more than 110 employees, 140ha of vineyards and a production of 8,000,000 bottles.
Barone Ricasoli's philosophy can be summed up in one word: "QUALITY". This starts in the vineyards, focusing on Sangiovese with the goal of producing a superior Chianti Classico. Although Barone Ricasoli produces IGT Super Tuscan wines, Ricasoli is well aware that trends come and go.
Many super Tuscans are more Tuscan than super," he says. He believes that the future of Tuscany is Chianti Classico, from selected vineyards and grapes. His Rocca Guicciarda and Castello di Brolio are Barone Ricasoli's flagship wines.
The concept is very simple. "We want Chianti Classico to be our main label because we believe that it is the wine that best represents our terroir."
