Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG 2021

The Chianti Classico Riserva from Castello di Volpaia comes from the slopes of Radda in Chianti, in the heart of the historic Chianti Classico region, in the hills of central Tuscany. The vines are planted at altitude, in soils composed mainly of galestro and clay, which promote slow ripening and a beautiful freshness. The fortified medieval village of Volpaia overlooks the vineyard, whose plots are scattered around the hamlet, benefiting from a continental climate tempered by Apennine influences.

The grapes for Castello di Volpaia's Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG are hand-harvested, destemmed, and gently pressed before alcoholic fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks with skin maceration. Malolactic fermentation takes place in tanks, and the wine is then aged for approximately 24 months in oak barrels, followed by a period of bottle aging before release to refine the tannic structure and develop the characteristic aromatic complexity of the estate.

This wine reveals notes of black cherry , crisp red berries , and plum , complemented by hints of violet and dried rose , as well as touches of sweet spice , pepper , and cedarwood . Accents of tobacco and a fine stony minerality appear on the finish. The palate displays elegant structure, lively acidity typical of high-altitude terroirs, firm yet polished tannins, and a long, flavorful finish.

Ah, Italy, what a beautiful, hedonistic country, the land of la dolce vita, but how difficult it is to understand its wine industry! The key to understanding the appellation system in Italy is to think of it as several small countries rather than a single homogeneous nation, as each region has its own appellation system. Italy can offer wine lovers a multitude of wines with varied and unique flavors and styles, bottles brimming with surprise and creativity. Unfortunately, it also produces a large quantity of soulless, characterless wines sold under their most commercially useful and prestigious name: Pinot Grigio, Chianti, Valpolicella, Lambrusco, Prosecco, and many others... But let's talk a little history. Viticulture in Italy dates back to antiquity and originated in Greece. The Etruscans are said to have introduced the vine, and Greek immigrants improved and modified the grape varieties, subsequently calling the country "Oenotria": the land of wine. At the height of the Roman Empire, wine held an important place in daily life, and certain regions already distinguished themselves by the excellence of their product. The Romans also established numerous vineyards in Europe, leaving an indelible mark of their conquest. Today, Italy is the world's largest wine producer, ahead of France. Italy is divided into three climatic zones. The northern mountains have a rather harsh mountain climate. The plains of the "central boot" are characterized by a continental climate with cold winters and hot, stormy summers. In the southern part of the Italian boot, the Mediterranean climate prevails, with very hot and dry summers, not forgetting the islands of Sicily and Sardinia. In short, Italy produces a wide variety of wines thanks to its 200 different grape varieties, many of which originated in its own lands. It is a country as complex as its wines, which deserve to be explored!