Barone Ricasoli : Casalferro 2020

Tasting characteristics and advice for Casalferro 2020 from Barone Ricasoli

Tasting

Color

The color reveals a deep, intense ruby-red hue.

Nose

The nose shows lovely aromatic complexity, with notes of dark fruit—especially black cherry, blackberry, and plum. Floral hints of violet accompany touches of sweet spice, licorice, and leather. Aromas of crème de cassis also emerge, along with subtle mineral notes.

Palate

On the palate, this wine expresses a warm, generous personality with a velvety texture. Flavors of ripe dark fruit, baked plum, and spice unfold harmoniously. The tannins are noble and well integrated, bringing structure and elegance. The finish is long and persistent, with an appealing mineral freshness that recalls the terroir’s Chianti Classico origins.

Food and wine pairings

Casalferro 2020 is an ideal match for red meats such as beef tenderloin, beef stew, or grilled lamb chops. It also pairs beautifully with roasted or braised veal preparations, as well as Italian cured meats. Mushroom- and truffle-based dishes also make excellent pairings.

Serving and cellaring

This Casalferro 2020 can be enjoyed now, but will continue to evolve until around 2038. It is recommended to serve it at a temperature between 16 and 18°C.

An exceptional Tuscan red wine by Barone Ricasoli

The estate

Founded in 1141, when the family took control of Castello di Brolio in the heart of Tuscany, Barone Ricasoli is the fourth-oldest wine House in the world and Italy’s oldest. Now run by Francesco Ricasoli since 1993, the estate spans 1,200 hectares, including 240 hectares of vineyards in Chianti Classico. The legacy of Baron Bettino Ricasoli—who in 1872 established the modern Chianti formula with sangiovese as the leading grape variety—remains fundamental. Detailed mapping revealing nineteen distinct soil types enables precision viticulture that expresses the authenticity of the Tuscan terroir.

The vineyard

Casalferro comes from three distinct plots located in the Gaiole area in IGT Toscana. Vigna Casalferro, established in 1993, covers five hectares at 400 meters above sea level, with a south-facing aspect and soils combining sandstone and alberese. Vigna Pecchierino, planted in 2001 over 3.25 hectares at 400 meters above sea level, benefits from a northwest-facing aspect and soils composed exclusively of alberese rich in limestone and clay. Vigna Sodacci, created in 2003, spans 4.22 hectares at 500 meters above sea level with a south-facing aspect and sandstone soils. The vines are trained in cordon with Merlot clone 181, planted at densities ranging from 5,500 to 6,600 vines per hectare.

The vintage

In 2020, Toscane benefited from favorable weather conditions, with temperatures in line with historical averages. Rainfall concentrated in June ensured good water availability during flowering and fruit set. Veraison took place normally in early August, allowing for gradual ripening of the grapes. Harvest ran from September 13 to 18 in sunny weather, enabling the grapes to be picked at optimal physiological ripeness.

Vinification and aging

After hand-harvesting with selective sorting, Casalferro 2020 was vinified in temperature-controlled stainless-steel tanks between 24 and 27°C. Skin maceration lasted 14 to 18 days to extract color and tannins with finesse. The wine was then aged for 21 months in casks and barrels, around 30% of which were new oak, allowing for delicate refinement and harmonious integration of the components.

Grape variety

Merlot (100%).