UNCORKED WINE TRAVELS

Musings Along The Wine Trails

The Majestic Castello di Brolio – Chianti DOCG

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Castello di Brolio’s museum houses the collections of valuable family weapons, musical instruments, and fossil and mineral collections of Barone Bettino Ricasoli.

The vast views over the vineyards and valley below  the Castello di Brolio are unsurpassed!  Castello di Brolio has dominated the southern Chianti Classico countryside for more than ten centuries.  The property has remained in the Ricasoli family since 1141 and is still used as a summer home for the current Ricasoli baron and family.

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Visitors are free to roam through the English woods and stroll around the Renaissance gardens to take in the breathtaking views of glorious Chianti.

cropped-IMG_1143.jpg A guided tour of the castle museum and grounds includes a wine tasting for approximately 8 euros.  The staff  is extremely  friendly and knowledgeable; shipping can also be arranged and is efficiently handled.  I highly recommend Barone Ricasoli’s 2009 Chianti Classico Riserva as a fine representation of the regional Chianti riserva wines and the 2011 Albia Rose which was very refreshing and surprisingly dry.  Of course, you can’t go wrong with the 2010 Chianti Classico for every day wine. 

 

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Be sure and pick up a copy of the coveted Black Rooster road map (Le Strade del Gallo Nero) at Castello di Brolio’s gift shop.  The detailed road map is priceless as it lists all the wine producers in the Chianti region, complete with phone numbers and websites.  Unlike wine tasting in California, reservations for wine tasting and cellar tours are necessary as      many wineries do not accept visitors.  Italian winemakers take great pride in their craft and like to showcase their cellars with extensive property tours before the private tasting.  Allow a few hours per winery visit.  From Siena, Castello di Brolio is approximately 20 km.  Head toward Gaiole-in-Chianti and look for the castle on the hill.  It’s a truly unique experience and a perfect photo opportunity, not to mention the fantastic wines!  For more information, www.ricasoli.it

 

Comments

  2. Very nice! Is there wine tasting involved?
    I can’t believe I have not seen this blog before. When can I anticipate your next entry?

  4. I was also fortunate enough to visit the famous Castello di Brolio in my recent stop in Chianti back in the fall of 2012. The drive out is absolutely stunning let alone once on site the experience is enhanced with jaw dropping views of miles of vineyards, and gorgeous gardens from atop the hillside that this Castle resides on. You can walk the perimeter of the Ricasoli castle without spending a dime, but like mentioned above the very inexpensive tour of the interior walls shares some very interesting facts about the family then and now and the purpose of its existence in history. A stop into the tasting room on your way out will leave you with no regret. I experienced firsthand a very friendly staff who just seemed upbeat and happy to see us stop in. Keep in mind as well that by purchasing tickets to the private tour of the Castle grants you access to a tasting at no additional charge.

    Great stop, beautiful grounds, good wine, leave happy!

  5. Great review! I, too, have been to the grounds and it truly takes you back in time. Start by walking through the thick, beautiful forestry road and up the medieval steps that many have traveled on thousands of years ago. The Castle is breath-taking and very majestic. The tour is cheap and informative, and if you get there early you can take some amazing photos inside the castle walls. See the Baron’s home and quarters he designed specially for the King of Italy – you will feel like royalty yourself. The views after the tour atop the castle walls are simply wonderful – a view of the entire Chianti wine region. Rows of precious grapes, quaint country homes, and beautiful English gardens make for perfect back-drops. Definitely one of my favorite parts of my trip to Tuscany, can’t wait to go back! This review sums up the adventure perfectly!