At a glance

Producer

Barone Ricasoli

Region

Chianti Classico DOCG, Tuscany, Italy

Grape variety

Sangiovese (majority) with small amounts of complementary native varieties (often Canaiolo, Colorino as per DOCG regulations)

Wine type

Red

Body

Medium-bodied and Earthy

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$28-$40

Tasting profile

Bright cherry, plum, wild herbs, dried rose and leather, subtle oak, fresh earth, with youthful acidity and persistent minerality.

Evolution: With age (2025-2029): fruit mellows, more balsamic, tobacco, cedar and spice emerge. Tannins soften, palate becomes silkier.

At peak: At peak, shows complex integration of red fruit, forest floor, spice, and classic Tuscan terroir; structure persists but tannins are supple and acidity is harmonious.

Structure

Acidity

High, classic Sangiovese vibrancy

Tannins

Medium to medium-high, fine-grained

Alcohol

14% ABV (typical for Chianti Classico Riserva 2018)

Aging potential

10-14 years from vintage; best 2024-2029; capable of holding longer if cellared well

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2024 to 2028

Optimal window

2023 to 2032

Current status

Entering optimal window

Current condition

Approaching its peak but still fresh, youthful and structured with developing tertiary notes beginning to emerge.

Chianti Classico Riserva—especially from a strong vintage like 2018 and a historic estate like Ricasoli—has the classic structure (high acidity, moderate tannin) for aging 10-14 years. 2018 is noted for balance and intensity, supporting a mature, integrated profile through late 2020s and into early 2030s for well-stored bottles.

Food pairing

Excellent with classic Tuscan dishes: bistecca alla fiorentina, wild boar ragù pasta, aged pecorino, roast game birds, mushroom risotto, grilled lamb, or eggplant parmigiana.

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (30-60 minutes) — Opens up aromatics and softens tannins, especially if drunk before 2025. Well-stored mature bottles may need less time.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 7/10

Integrated pest management, elimination of chemical herbicides in vineyards, use of cover crops, energy-saving initiatives in winery, reduction of water use, lightened bottle packaging, vineyard biodiversity programs.

Barone Ricasoli is an active proponent of sustainable viticulture in Chianti Classico, with vineyard and winery operations certified under Equalitas for broad sustainability including environmental, ethical, and economic aspects. The estate continues to reduce chemical inputs, minimize resource consumption, and promote biodiversity. As of 2018, while not fully organic-certified, significant progress is evident. Its carbon footprint is typical of European estates exporting abroad, but winery-level green initiatives make it more sustainable than average for the price and scale.