CASTELLO DI VOLPAIA

TUSCANY, ITALY 2020

 

 

Why Buy: This limited-production (one of 7,000 bottles total) gem, rooted in a winemaking tradition dating back to 1172 and sprung from high-elevation sandy soils in Tuscany, marries Sangiovese's vibrancy with Cabernet's structure. The result? As we’ve come to expect from Volpaia, a Super Tuscan that’s more dynamically alive than much of the competition
 

 

What They're Saying: Wine Enthusiast extolled its "savory and textured" nose, its "buoyancy," and its "lifted" finish. The Wine Advocate's Monica Larner matched that enthusiasm:"The Cabernet Sauvignon is impossible to miss, as this wine is very driven by aromas of blackberry, bitter chocolate and garden herb that are linked to that varietal,” she wrote, while it also "delivers the dusty crushed stone aromas that I associate with Chianti Classico."
 

 

The Context: Castello di Volpaia has garnered increasing acclaim in recent years for its commitment to organic viticulture and its skillful blend of tradition and innovation. The 2020 Balifico exemplifies this approach, showcasing the estate's ability to produce wines that honor the Tuscanese heritage while also pushing the boundaries of what the region can achieve.
 

Our Tasting Notes: The 2020 Balifico is immediately captivating to the eye, with its ruby hue and subtle purple undertones. The nose is a complex tapestry of blackberry, blueberry, and bitter chocolate, interwoven with hints of crushed stone and garden herbs. On the palate, it's a study in elegance and power, with velvety tannins supporting layers of red and black fruit. Settle in for the impressive finish, which is not just long but also showcases the wine's impeccable balance and aging potential.
 

The Bottling: A blend of 65% Sangiovese and 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, with only 7,000 bottles produced. This IGT wine showcases the best of both varietals, with grapes sourced from Volpaia's high-elevation vineyards (450-600 meters above sea level). The sandy soils impart a distinct minerality and freshness to the wine, while organic farming practices ensure the purest expression of terroir.
 

The Story: Volpaia joined the Lega del Chianti, in 1250, as a founding member. Or, to put that fact into other terms: it has been at the forefront of Chianti Classico production for nearly a millennium. The estate's modern renaissance began in 1966 when Raffaello Stianti acquired the property, gifting it to his daughter Giovannella and her husband Carlo Mascheroni in 1972. The couple embarked on an ambitious modernization project, seamlessly blending 11th-century architecture with cutting-edge winemaking technology. They pioneered temperature-controlled fermentation in Chianti Classico and installed an ingenious gravity-fed "wineduct" system beneath the village streets. Today, the Stianti Mascheroni family owns two-thirds of the village, including 46 hectares of organically farmed vineyards. Their commitment to quality is unstinting, with cellar updates occurring nearly every five years to incorporate the latest vinification technologies.
 

Fun Fact: Volpaia's cellars are hidden within the walls of the ancient fortified village. The winery's "wineduct" system allows wine to flow by gravity from fermentation tanks in the upper village to barrel cellars below, all while preserving the medieval architecture above ground. A shrewd marriage of historical preservation and modern winemaking ingenuity.

Our Guarantee: We always buy and source directly from the estate, so you can be confident that your wine will arrive in your hands with pristine provenance. Don't hesitate to secure yours today!

 

 

*Offer NOT valid in-store. This offer is made pre-arrival, with wines estimated to be delivered to your preferred store in Fall 2024. With the supply chain issues that we are seeing globally, there may be some unforeseen delays which could affect the ETA. All sale prices are the lowest available at Total Wine & More and ONLY valid through Concierge Sales. No further discounts or coupons may be applied. Offer not valid in KS, MI, MO, NY, or TN. This offer is for ONE WEEK, or until sold out, and will expire on Sunday, August 4th, 2024.