Castello di Volpaia : Chianti Classico Riserva 2018

An elegant, complex and structured fine red wine from Chianti Classico

The estate

Owned by the Stianti Mascheroni family since the 1970s, the Castello di Volpaia winery is named after the castle built in the 11th century. Located in the heart of Tuscany, between Florence and Siena, the Castello di Volpaia estate has become an essential reference among the finest Chianti wines over the years.

The estate produces fine Chianti Classico and Toscana wines which, with their roundness, elegance and freshness, enhance the potential and aromatic richness of the king grape variety, Sangiovese.

The vineyard

Castello di Volpaia reigns over a 46-hectare vineyard of organically grown vines. The estate also practices massal selections using indigenous clones.

The wine

This 2018 Chianti Classico Riserva by Castello di Volpaia comes from a mosaic of vineyards that are planted between 1970 and 2002. Facing south, south-east and south-west at an altitude of between 400 and 600 metres, these vines are planted on a soil composed of sand, silt and clay on the surface and sandstone on the subsoil.

The vintage

A particularly hot March preceded cold and rainy April and May. Budburst was late, as was flowering. The milder conditions from 10 June onwards persisted throughout the summer season and encouraged rapid vine development. This warm and dry weather was punctuated by rainy periods ensuring sufficient water reserves in the soil. From the beginning of September to mid-October, the weather remained mild but dry. Early October marked the beginning of the harvest, a few days later than in recent years.

Vinification and ageing

Manual harvesting. After vinification, the wine is aged in French and Slovenian oak barrels for 24 months and then in bottle for 3 months.

The blend

Sangiovese (100%).

Castello di Volpaia's 2018 Chianti Classico Riserva: Characteristics and tasting tips

The tasting

Colour

The colour is a beautiful ruby red with subtle garnet highlights.

Nose

The intense and elegant nose blends spicy and fruity fragrances.

Palate

The palate is seductive with its structure, its tannic structure and its beautiful length.