The colour is medium red. On the nose aroma of cherries, with light oaky notes. In the mouth good acidity and well-integrated tannins. The finish recalls the fruit perceived on the nose. The aftertaste is subtle, but medium long.
Rocca Guicciarda is produced by Barone Ricasoli, whose Castello di Brolio is one of the most important and historic Chianti Classico’s producing estates. Broglio Castle has been in the family’s ownership since 1141, but it was Bettino Ricasoli, who made it prominent.
Before serving twice as prime minister of Italy, Barone Bettino Ricasoli devoted his efforts in running his family wine estate. After years of experimentation and documentation, in the mid-19th Century he developed the original formula for Chianti wine: 70% Sangiovese, 15% Canaiolo and 15% Malvasia bianca.
The first definition of a wine area called Chianti was made in 1716. Today Chianti Classico is the heartland of the much wider Chianti wine region. It is located between Florence and Siena.
Chianti Classico must have a minimum of 80% Sangiovese grapes. The remainder should be made from native grapes such as Canaiolo or Colorino, but international red varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot are also allowed. Chianti Classico normally spends about 12 months in oak barrels. Riserva wines must be aged for at least 24 months before commercial release.
Rocca Guicciarda is a Chianti Classico Riserva made with 90% Sangiovese, 5% Canaiolo and 5% Merlot. It ages 18 months in tonneaus and large casks and another 3 to 6 months in the bottle.
For this bottle I paid 8.75 CHF at Coop, 50% off the original price of 17.50 CHF. An excellent price quality ratio.
Country: Italy
Region: Tuscany
Grapes: Sangiovese, Canaiolo, Merlot
Type: Red
Vintage: 2017
Producer: Barone Ricasoli
Price range: Medium (15-30 US$)
Pascal’s Enjoyment Index: 3/5