Barone Ricasoli is the oldest winery in the world, producing wine at the estate since 1141. The current owner, Barone Francesco Ricasoli, is the 32nd generation Baron of the family. The Italian wine most well known in the world is a result of the research and experiments of the Baron Bettino Ricasoli.

Born in 1809, the “Iron Baron” was the first to transform the territory of Brolio into not only a large, modern wine-producing business, but also one of great admiration and respect. Relocating to the castle when he was just twenty years old from his family’s villa in Florence, Bettino Ricasoli divided his time between his political responsibilities as the Prime Minister and those of an innovative entrepreneur and researcher.

He is credited with establishing the formula of Chianti Classico wine. Taken from the best quality vineyards of Brolio, the elaborate blend of Sangiovese, Canaiolo, and a small percentage of Malvasia (only when producing wine not intended to age) emerged. Recently, the formula has been slightly modified with Sangiovese as the main grape and a maximum 20% of other varieties.