Significant Birthday at Castello di Brolio

In keeping with the general theme of Italian food, drink and cultural hot-spots our accommodation was, fortunately, located very closely to Castello di Brolio (Castle of Brolio), in the municipality of Gaiole in Chianti. 

The castle has been linked to wine production since 1141 – which is when the Ricasoli family is recorded as being the owners of the property – although a ‘broglio’ “a small, wooded estate enclosed for a lord’s residence” was on site in the tenth century.  The Ricasoli family still owns the Castle and its vineyards and estates.

The Ricasoli and Castello di Brolio are synonymous with the  development of “Chianti Classico” with the Sangiovese as the main grape for production – blended with other grape varieties - typically reported as 70% Sangiovese, 20% Canaiolo, 10% Malvasia Bianca Lunga.  This formula was spearheaded by Baron Bettino Ricasoli (1809 – 1880).

The Ricasoli family are significant in the politics in Italy too and, in the 19th century (approximately 1848 – 1871) central to the unification of all territories as The Kingdom of Italy.  This is called the Risorgimento (and is very convoluted) however, Bettino Ricasoli led the Moderate Party and was Prime Minister in 1861 – 2 and again between 1866 – 67.
Bettino Ricasoli’s private life and public career “were marked by the utmost integrity, and by a rigid austerity which earned him the name of the Iron Baron”.
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As I said, all very convoluted. however, the perfect venue for a surprise Significant Birthday celebration!

For Paul's birthday on the 16th June, Rudi and Barbara had kindly organised a surprise tour of the castle followed by a meal at the 'tavern' on the estate -the Osteria di Brolio - which far from offering simple and homespun dishes associated with the term osteria - presented a contemporary menu with an emphasis on "a cuisine of great balance". .... "oils of character, tasty meats, fish from the nearby sea, vegetables from our gardens, cheeses from the local master cheesemakers".

And, of course, each course partnered with a wine selected from their own Ricasoli cellars.

A fabulous birthday celebration with fabulous friends!

Antipasto - zucchini flan, pecorino sauce and truffle