2020 Volpaia - Chianti Classico Riserva (750ml)

Castello di Volpaia takes its name from an 11th century fortified village perched above Radda in Chianti, one of the historic communes at the heart of Chianti Classico. The estate belongs to the Mascheroni Stianti family, whose stewardship has helped restore the region's reputation for serious, age-worthy wine. Volpaia began farming without synthetic chemicals in the 1990s and has been certified organic since 2004. The winery's standing was cemented when its 2015 Riserva became the first Chianti to land among the top three wines in Wine Spectator's annual rankings.

This Riserva is crafted entirely from Sangiovese grown on some of the highest vineyard sites in Chianti Classico, roughly 450 to 650 meters above sea level. The altitude brings wide swings between day and night temperatures, which helps preserve natural acidity and build aromatic depth in the grapes. Farmed organically, the fruit is vinified and then aged for about two years before release.

The wine pours ruby red with a hint of garnet and offers aromas of ripe cherry, dried strawberry, dried orange peel, and crushed stone laced with spice. On the palate it is medium to full bodied, with firm, finely grained tannins and a long, textured finish. It pairs naturally with grilled steak, braised beef, or a plate of aged Tuscan cheeses.