Castello di Volpaia
Chianti Classico Sangiovese Blend
Chianti Classico, Chianti, Tuscany, Italy
Believe it or not, in the early 1970’s there were less than a handful productive wineries in the Radda UGA; Castello di Volpaia was one of those. Radda was simply remote and difficult to get to. However, times have changed and today, there are more than 40 active wineries! Volpaia is somewhat unique in that its vineyards are some of the highest elevation in the entire Chianti Classico zone.
Popped and poured, the 2021 “Chianti Classico” pours a light ruby color with a transparent core; medium viscosity with no staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with light notes of cherry, orange pith, dried green herbs and earth. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium tannins and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is medium. If Radda has a reputation for more elegant wines, then Volpaia is a leading example. While it’s more “reserved” than many others, there is substance and has a story to be shared. Drink now with some patience but I think this will be even more enjoyable in the next 5-10 years.
Believe it or not, in the early 1970’s there were less than a handful productive wineries in the Radda UGA; Castello di Volpaia was one of those. Radda was simply remote and difficult to get to. However, times have changed and today, there are more than 40 active wineries! Volpaia is somewhat unique in that its vineyards are some of the highest elevation in the entire Chianti Classico zone.
Popped and poured, the 2021 “Chianti Classico” pours a light ruby color with a transparent core; medium viscosity with no staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with light notes of cherry, orange pith, dried green herbs and earth. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium tannins and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is medium. If Radda has a reputation for more elegant wines, then Volpaia is a leading example. While it’s more “reserved” than many others, there is substance and has a story to be shared. Drink now with some patience but I think this will be even more enjoyable in the next 5-10 years.
Very solid annata. Medium intensity nose shows cherry cough syrup, crushed stone, a little floral spice. It’s still a bit youthfully textured in the mouth, with chalky tannin framing the flavors, which are of dark cherry extract and savory, stony minerality. Nice acids and pretty good length and cling. Not concentrated but tailor-made for washing down a variety of food.
Very solid annata. Medium intensity nose shows cherry cough syrup, crushed stone, a little floral spice. It’s still a bit youthfully textured in the mouth, with chalky tannin framing the flavors, which are of dark cherry extract and savory, stony minerality. Nice acids and pretty good length and cling. Not concentrated but tailor-made for washing down a variety of food.
Oct 31st, 2023Earth. Cassis. Resolved. Developed for age.
Earth. Cassis. Resolved. Developed for age.
Mar 3rd, 2023
Tart cherry with notes of licorice and leather, very good friendly 👌🏻
Tart cherry with notes of licorice and leather, very good friendly 👌🏻
Dec 22nd, 2021
One of my favorite Chianti producers right now. Some funk as it opens. Tannins quite polished- just a balanced affair, all in all.
One of my favorite Chianti producers right now. Some funk as it opens. Tannins quite polished- just a balanced affair, all in all.
Dec 26th, 2020I think it deserves the higher score (at least on Delectable) because with air it really stretches out into a medium bodied, gracious beauty. Black fruited, rose petals, some wet leaves, & just overall lovely, smooth mouthfeel. Oh, and about 17$. That’s cray cray.
I think it deserves the higher score (at least on Delectable) because with air it really stretches out into a medium bodied, gracious beauty. Black fruited, rose petals, some wet leaves, & just overall lovely, smooth mouthfeel. Oh, and about 17$. That’s cray cray.
Jan 12th, 2020
Stem-my, orange peel, tart cherry, thyme, balsamic vinegar. Elevated acid, tannins, and medium body. Very pale ruby, little oak.
Stem-my, orange peel, tart cherry, thyme, balsamic vinegar. Elevated acid, tannins, and medium body. Very pale ruby, little oak.
Apr 18th, 2019
Raspberry, cocoa powder, late summer herbs and a tiny drop of VA. A rich, soft 2015 that shows more than adequate concentration. Crowd pleasing. An underrated estate, in my opinion...and the wines are always good value. #volpaia #sangiovese #chianticlassico
Raspberry, cocoa powder, late summer herbs and a tiny drop of VA. A rich, soft 2015 that shows more than adequate concentration. Crowd pleasing. An underrated estate, in my opinion...and the wines are always good value. #volpaia #sangiovese #chianticlassico
Dec 24th, 2018
Nice rich bouquet on the nose. Acid comes through initially. Good mid-palate texture. Nice notes of cherries, delicate oak treatment, but finishes a touch tart. Needs bottle age to help the acid relax.
Nice rich bouquet on the nose. Acid comes through initially. Good mid-palate texture. Nice notes of cherries, delicate oak treatment, but finishes a touch tart. Needs bottle age to help the acid relax.
Dec 8th, 2018