Castello di Brolio is both the name of the castle that was the home to Baron Ricasoli, “father” of Chianti Classico wine, and also the name of the wine now produced there.

Castello di Brolio

The site of the Brolio Castle as a fortified nucleus dates from the middle ages but the present structure is not old. It is a Gothic-revival edifice dating from the 19 C, surrounded by a neo-Renaissance garden. Brolio offers a number of paid tours, some of which include a wine tasting. Brolio Castle is probably the best known castle in Chianti but it is only one of many, both inhabited and in ruins to be found in the famous Chianti castles area around Gaiole in Chianti.

In addition to the castles, there are several fortified abbeys in Chianti, among the most photogenic being Badia a Passignano Monastery and Badia a Coltibuono which is now a winery and is located not very distant from Brolio Castle. As your tour the area,  you will also notice that many farmhouses (case coloniche) have towers. Some of these were previously watchtower outliers of castles and others were actually constructed as fortified farmhouses.

Click here for more about the Chianti Castles routes.

Anna Maria Baldini

About Anna Maria Baldini

Anna Maria is a frequent contributor to web content on life in Tuscany. She researches all aspects of Tuscan life, with emphasis on history, art, architecture and the culture of the people of this beautiful region of Italy.

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