Castello di Volpaia : Chianti Classico Riserva 2020

The elegance and complexity of a red wine from Tuscany

The estate

Nestled in the heart of Tuscany, Castello di Volpaia is a medieval treasure where time seems to have stood still. Its stone houses, cobbled streets, and fortified towers make this beautiful haven a small village frozen in time. Built in 1172, the estate is one of the most important architectural testimonies to the glory and prestige of the Chianti region. Owned by the Stianti Mascheroni family since the 1970s, Castello di Volpaia boasts an exceptional vineyard spanning 46 hectares. Organic farming, massale selections, indigenous clones—the estate cares for its vines with the utmost attention.

The vineyard

Situated between 1,300 and 1,900 feet in altitude, the Tuscan vineyard is exposed to the south, southeast, and southwest. The vines thus enjoy perfect sun exposure, resulting in highly concentrated berries. The soil is predominantly sandstone, except for the Castellino and Santa Maria Novella vineyards, which are dominated by clay. The vines are pruned using the Guyot method to maximize the berries' exposure to the sun and to allow the bunches to breathe.

The vintage

Following a relatively warm winter and spring, the vintage was marked by early budbreak and flowering. Heavy rainfall in May and June preceded a hot, dry summer, which ultimately led to mild water stress. Welcome rains arrived at the end of August and during the harvest. All of these climatic conditions promise Chianti Classico wines of great elegance.

Winemaking and aging

After a hand harvest, the wine is aged for 24 months in French and Slavonian oak barrels. It is then given a minimum of 3 months of bottle aging.

Grape variety

Sangiovese (100%)

Characteristics and tasting notes for the 2020 Chianti Classico Riserva from Castello di Volpaia

Tasting notes

Appearance
The color is a deep ruby.

Nose
The nose exudes fragrances of red fruit intertwined with spicy notes.

Palate
Beautifully structured, the palate reveals silky tannins, leading to a lingering finish.

Serving

For optimal tasting, this wine is best served between 61 and 64°F.

Food and wine pairing

The 2020 Chianti Classico Riserva from Castello di Volpaia pairs beautifully with a beef rib roast or a board of aged cheeses.

Aging potential

This Italian wine can be cellared until 2035.