Questo vino
Vinification
The ripest Merlot was picked in early September 2008. Sangiovese was harvested last, between 26 September and 15 October. Maceration lasted 16 days at a controlled temperature of 30 °C.
Ageing
The wine matured for six months in large oak barrels, followed by two months in bottle.
Tasting profile
Rich and notably well balanced, with good tannins and balanced acidity. It becomes rounder with further ageing.
Vintage notes
A mild winter in 2008 was followed by a spring with little rainfall. June was unusually wet, receiving 80 mm of rain in its first half, but the rain ceased by the end of the month. The summer was generally warm, without major temperature spikes. Rain returned in mid-August and again in mid-September. Pronounced differences between daytime and nighttime temperatures in September helped the Sangiovese develop intense aromas.
Label / history
The Ricasoli family has owned Castello di Brolio since 1141. Records indicate that it began exporting wine to Amsterdam and England toward the end of the seventeenth century. From the early twentieth century, Brolio wines were exported internationally, including to China, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and Costa Rica.
Baron Bettino Ricasoli (1809–1880), known as the Iron Baron, spent more than 30 years researching and experimenting with the production of Chianti wines, combining technology, applied science and winemaking principles while exploring the potential of the Brolio terroir. A Ricasoli wine received a Gold Medal at the 1867 International Exhibition in Paris. His great-grandson Francesco has managed the company since 1993.
