For VanWineFest 2024, I joined Barone Francesco Ricasoli from Tuscany for an unforgettable dinner featuring his Chianti Classico wines paired with traditional Tuscan fare prepared by the culinary team at Italian Kitchen. The Barone provided us with background to his family winery as well as information about each wine. He is the 32nd Barone of the family, living in the castle (his home), Castello di Brolio. This castle is between Florence and Siena and is strategically located. Florence was the most important banking centre in Europe in the 15th century. The Ricasoli family was aligned with the Medici family from Florence. Located at the southern edge of the Medici’s influence, the Ricasoli family guarded the southern region from the Siena families. At one point, the castle was attacked and completely destroyed. The Medici family was thankful for the Ricasoli’s support, so they paid to rebuild the castle. Baron Bettino Ricasoli (1809 – 1880), a politician and wine entrepreneur, originated the formula for Chianti wine, now called Chianti Classico.
I will lead you first through our dining menu, followed by a description of the wines, and finally the food and wine pairing. Enjoy.
Our Menu
Canapés Trio with Welcome Cocktail
Crostino toscano – chicken livers, vin santo
Polpo in umido – red wine & tomato braised octopus, chillies
Rosetta di Finocchiona – quail egg
Aperol spritz (Not Ricasoli)
Course 1
Tartare di Ricciola
with greater amberjack, baby zucchini, pomodorini, heirloom carrots, fennel pollen, grapefruit salt
Castello di Brolio SanBarnaba Vin Bianco 2020
Course 2
Cacciucco alla Livornese
with red
This Article was originally published on My Wine Pal
