Ricasoli Casalferro 2018 is a 100% Merlot from Tuscany's Brolio estate, bottled at 14.5% ABV in a standard 750ml format under the Toscana IGT designation. Awarded 95 points by James Suckling and 97 points by The Wine Independent, this vintage represents one of the more celebrated releases of a wine that Barone Ricasoli only bottles in years deemed worthy — notably skipping the scorching 2017 vintage entirely.Quick Facts: ABV: 14.5% | Origin: Gaiole in Chianti, Tuscany, Italy | Toscana IGT | Producer: Barone RicasoliProduction & HeritageBarone Ricasoli, headquartered at the historic Castello di Brolio in Gaiole in Chianti, is one of Italy's oldest wine estates — its roots in Tuscan winemaking stretch back centuries. Casalferro draws fruit from three distinct vineyard sites: Vigna Casalferro, Vigna Pecchierino, and Vigna Sodacci, with one plot situated at roughly 500 meters above sea level, lending cool-climate character to the Merlot. After harvest, grapes ferment in stainless steel tanks at 24–27°C with 14 to 18 days of skin contact, followed by 21 months of maturation in tonneaux and barriques — 30% new oak, with the remaining 70% on second and third passage. The result is a structured, site-driven Merlot that prioritizes vineyard expression over heavy-handed extraction.Tasting NotesAroma: The nose opens with concentrated violets and ripe blackcurrant, followed by layers of sweet spice, dried herbs, and a subtle thread of menthol. After time in the glass, the floral intensity deepens and integrates with cedar and incense-like complexity.Taste: The entry is soft and mouthfilling, building through the mid-palate with dark plum, espresso, and loam. Tannins are dense but remarkably fine-grained, carrying flavors of sweet spice, licorice, and dried mint across a medium-full body. There is genuine vertical power here, yet an underlying elegance keeps everything in proportion.Finish: Long and lustrous, with lingering notes of rosemary, thyme, and dark fruit. The oak influence resolves cleanly, leaving a savory, aromatic persistence that invites another sip.How to Drink Casalferro 2018This wine is at its best served at 16–18°C with 30 to 60 minutes of decanting to allow the aromatics to fully unfold. Neat in a large-bowled Bordeaux glass is the ideal approach, letting the fine tannin structure and layered spice speak for themselves. For cocktail-adjacent applications, Casalferro's dark-fruit intensity and herbal depth make it a compelling base for a Sangria Nobile with fresh blackberries and rosemary, a refined Tuscan Mulled Wine during cooler months using whole cloves and orange peel to mirror its spice notes, or a sophisticated Red Wine Spritz with a splash of sparkling water and a sprig of thyme to highlight its herbal finish.Best For Gifting a serious wine enthusiast who appreciates single-varietal Tuscan expressions Anchoring an Italian-themed dinner party with hearty, meat-driven courses Cellaring for special occasions — the 2018 vintage has demonstrated strong aging potential Exploring high-altitude Merlot as an alternative to Right Bank Bordeaux Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat does Casalferro 2018 taste like? It delivers dark plum, blackcurrant, and espresso flavors wrapped in fine-grained tannins, with herbal accents of rosemary, thyme, and dried mint. The overall impression is medium-full bodied with a balance of power and elegance.How does Casalferro 2018 compare to Right Bank Bordeaux Merlots? Casalferro shares the dark-fruit concentration and structured tannins of premium Right Bank Merlot, but brings distinctly Tuscan elements — dried Mediterranean herbs, incense, and loamy earth — that set it apart. Multiple critics have noted its competitive quality against Bordeaux counterparts, often at a more accessible price tier.Is Casalferro 2018 good for sipping neat? Absolutely — with 95 points from James Suckling and ultra-fine tannins, this is a wine built for contemplative drinking. A brief decant enhances its aromatic complexity and softens the structure further.Where is Casalferro 2018 made? Casalferro is produced by Barone Ricasoli at their historic Castello di Brolio estate in Gaiole in Chianti, within the heart of Tuscany, Italy. The grapes are sourced from three specific vineyard sites at varying elevations, including one at approximately 500 meters above sea level.What foods pair well with Casalferro 2018? Braised short ribs complement the wine's dark fruit and savory depth. Grilled lamb chops with rosemary echo its herbal finish. Aged pecorino cheese mirrors its earthy, spice-laden character. Wild mushroom risotto pairs beautifully with the loam and cedar notes. Dark chocolate desserts with espresso elements extend the palate's richness.What sizes does Casalferro 2018 come in? Casalferro 2018 is available in the standard 750ml bottle format.Is Casalferro 2018 worth the price? Casalferro positions as a premium single-vineyard-quality Tuscan red, and with scores of 95 from James Suckling and 97 from The Wine Independent, it delivers critical acclaim that competes with wines at significantly higher price points. For collectors of Italian Merlot or those exploring alternatives to Bordeaux, it represents strong value within its tier.Why Casalferro 2018?What sets the 2018 apart is Barone Ricasoli's refusal to produce Casalferro in subpar years — the 2017 vintage was skipped entirely due to extreme heat, making the 2018's return a statement of quality. The tri-vineyard sourcing strategy, including fruit from 500 meters elevation, gives this Merlot a cool-climate tension rarely found in Tuscan reds. Backed by 95 points from James Suckling, 97 from The Wine Independent, and 93 from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, the critical consensus is clear: this is one of Italy's most compelling expressions of Merlot. For anyone seeking a wine that bridges Bordeaux structure with unmistakable Tuscan identity, Casalferro 2018 earns serious consideration.
