“Full-bodied, chewy and rich. Goes on for minutes.” – James Suckling

What you have before you is a library vintage wine of great complexity, crafted by master winemaker Carlo Ferrini and drinking at its peak, from one of the top estates in Tuscany.

And wait – 96 points? And it’s less than $30?!

They say that you never forget your first love.

You see, Castello di Brolio was the first Chianti a young Agent Rôtie fell for many decades ago in college. And for good reason. Its dried black cherry fruit, savory ferrous, dried sage, and spice complexity and firm tannic grip has an enduring, ageless appeal. But they don’t just make an epic example of the category – they actually invented it!!!

That’s right. To say that Castello di Brolio is an old estate is an understatement. It’s ancient. The Ricasoli family has been making wine at the estate since 1141. It was here in 1872 that Bettino Ricasoli, seeking to showcase the highest possible expression of Sangiovese, first created requirements for winemaking in Chianti. By the early 1900’s their estate was famous worldwide for its quality, enjoyed in throughout Europe, the Americas, and China, and Africa. As the Wine Advocate puts it, “This historic Castello di Brolio estate boasts a winemaking legacy spanning an almost unthinkable nine centuries. There have been many excellent vintages born in these cellars, and this estate has proudly produced groundbreaking wines that have shaped the very course of modern Italian wine.”

Or, as Antonio Galloni succinctly put it in Vinous, “Brolio could and should be one of the top estates in Chianti Classico.” In Gaiole in Chianti, they have just under 600 acres of vines. For over 25 years they, only in great vintages, they have selected their best parcels across three soil types to create their flagship bottling, Castello di Brolio.

Still in the family, Francesco Ricasoli is the 32nd generation to lead the estate. Despite their long history, they have never rested on their laurels. Francesco’s father was a long-time president of the Consorzio Vino Chianti Classico. Francesco has followed suite by being instrumental in the creation of the category of Gran Selezione (like the bottle in this offer) and conducted exhaustive soil studies on the estate to increase their wine’s quality.

And their winemaker, Carlo Ferrini, well, he’s one of the most famous and sought-after in Italy! He has won Winemaker of the Year awards from Gambero Rosso, the Italian Sommelier Association, and Wine Enthusiast for his expertise and precision. He has worked with Brolio for decades, and through his 45-year career he has also been instrumental in the success of celebrated producers like Casanova di Neri, Fonterutoli, Talenti, Brancaia, La Massa, San Leonardo, and his own winery, Giodo, among many others.

Once you pop the bottle, you will discover the beauty that age has imparted. Aromas of leather, unsmoked cigars, dried herbs, and a whiff of smoke accompany a core of dried morello cherries and black fruits, sandalwood, and exotic spices. If you like aged, old-world wines, this offer, at over 60% off, is a no-brainer! No effort required to cellar the wine, it’s ready to go!!! Though there is still plenty of freshness to let it hold another 5-7 years, easily.

It’s a beautiful wine for pairing with anything from pizza and pasta with red sauce to more complex dishes like duck in cherry sauce, Bistecca Fiorentini, or marinated grilled portobellos.

Our recommendation – stock up on a few cases. Invite some friends over. Tell them over dinner how this is the winery that ACTUALLY created Chianti (Classico) in 1872. How you have lovingly cellared the wine, waiting for this perfect moment to share with them.

That you bought it, already at its peak – that can be our secret!

96 Points – James Suckling “A big and powerful Chianti Classico with incredible blackberry, currant and mineral character. Full-bodied, chewy, and rich. Goes on for minutes.”