Castello di Volpaia - Toscana Balifico 2020 (750ml)
Price: $139.99
| Producer | Castello di Volpaia |
| Country | Italy |
| Region | Tuscany |
| Varietal | Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon |
| Vintage | 2020 |
| Sku | 206108 |
| Size | 750ml |
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Castello di Volpaia Description
Castello di Volpaia is located in an 11th century village that bears the same name. It sits on a hilltop just north of the town of Radda in Chianti, 2,024 feet above sea level in the heart of the Chianti Classico region. One of the most historical wineries of the region, Volpaia is owned by the Mascheroni Stianti family and benefits from some of the highest altitude southern exposure vineyards of the area, delivering certified organic Sangiovese-based wines of finesse and elegance with a terroir approach. Wines are from pacels that are one of the highest-elevation wineries in the Chianti area.
The Balifico vineyard shares its name and location with a villa. The first Super-Tuscans were created in the 1970s that rejected government mandates that determined which grapes were required to go into their wine, especially white grapes like Malvasia and Trebbiano. The Super-Tuscans were also treated differently from Chianti, aged in small French barriques rather than in large Slovenian casks. Because they did not follow DOC regulations, the Super-Tuscans were entitled only to the lowest official designation of the time — vino da tavola. It wasn’t until 1994 that the government recognized the high quality of the SuperTuscans and gave the wine its own category — IGT (Indicazione Geografica Tipica).
Pronounced as "Balifico (bawl-ee-FEE-co)"
Tasting Note: vivid ruby color with a dark purple tinge. The nose is elegant, displaying aromas of blackberry and blueberry with hints of oak and cinnamon. This is a smooth wine with good structure and a long finish tasting of red fruit.
Wine Advocate: 94 Points
The organic Volpaia 2020 Balifico is an IGT blend of 65% Sangiovese and 35% Cabernet Sauvignon. 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. This is a medium to full-bodied red blend that also delivers the dusty crushed stone aromas that I associate with Chianti Classico.
Vinous: 93 Points
The 2020 Balifico (65% Sangiovese, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon) is laced with black cherry, plum, chocolate, mocha, spice, leather and licorice. Here, too, the style is a bit pushed, but in this instance the wine has enough depth to handle it. This is nicely done, for the style.
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