99 Pt (LG) Volpaia Chianti Classico Riserva

A CAPTIVATING CHIANTI CLASSICO RISERVA

"I've said this before: when done well, Chianti Classico is among the greatest wines that Italy has to offer. Today we have another rare example of Chianti at its best - not only is the ‘sophisticated, elegant and charming’ 2018 Castello di Volpaia Chianti Classico Riserva done well (99 points), but it's also very well-priced (only $39.99)! Volpaia, located in the heart of Chianti, is a shining star among the Radda in Chianti estates. It is one of the highest-elevation wineries in the Chianti area, allowing them to create an extremely unique Chianti Classico Riserva. Volpaia’s viticultural efforts began centuries ago; the first document that mentions the cultivation of vines in Volpaia dates back to 1172. In 1250, Volpaia was a founding member of the Lega del Chianti (Chianti League).” – Lance Montalto, The Wine House

We also still have, in stock the awesome 2019 Volpaia Chainti Classico (96 points and still just $21.99).

Check out our CLOSEOUT wines on our website! Quantities are limited to current stock and new closeout wines are added regularly!

NOTE: Our store is open between 11AM and 6PM. When placing your order, you can select “in-store pickup” or “curbside pickup.” Please see updated curbside pickup instructions below.

CHAT! If you see a chat bubble in the lower right corner on our website, a Wine House employee is ready to answer your questions. Please note that chat is only available between 11AM and 6PM, and the bubble only displays when an employee is available.

NOTE! For orders over $250, we offer Special Local Delivery
Monday - Friday to addresses up to 10 miles from the store for $10/case. Additional delivery options are also available on our website.

99 Points: “Sophisticated, elegant and charming, an ode to greatness. On the nose, small red fruits, especially raspberry, hints of laurel, iodized nuances ending on notes of eucalyptus. The mouth reveals its juiciness, density and crunchiness. Iodized tannins, very long persistence. Small red fruits notes in the aftertaste.” – Luca Gardini, Gardini Notes (May 2021)

FROM THE IMPORTER

Tasting Notes
The Chianti Classico Riserva has a ruby-red hue with a trace of garnet. The nose is elegant, displaying hints of spice and fruit. This a well-structured wine with smooth tannins and a long finish.

Label
The Label: The Volpaia Chianti Classico Riserva label features the della Volpaia family coat of arms. The family took its name from the village of Volpaia itself. Lorenzo della Volpaia (1446-1512), an architect, goldsmith, mathematician and clockmaker, founded a Florentine dynasty of clockmakers and scientific-instrument makers that included his sons Camillo, Benvenuto and Eufrosino, and nephew Girolamo. As clockmaker, Lorenzo gained fame and honor with the construction of the Orologio dei Pianeti (Planetary Clock). Lorenzo also built the clock at the Palazzo Vecchio in Florence. He was a friend of Leonardo da Vinci and took part in the discussions on the placement of Michelangelo’s David. The della Volpaia family instruments are on display at the Science Museums in Florence and Greenwich (United Kingdom), the Palazzo Vecchio in Florence and the Adler Planetarium in Chicago.

Vineyard Profile
Vineyards: Casavecchia, Casetto, Castellino, Campo a Prato, Pratolino, Santa Caterina, Santa Maria Novella, Vignavecchia
Cultivation: Certified organic
Vine Age: Planted 1970-2002
Soil: All vineyards have light soil consisting of sandstone except Castellino and Santa Maria Novella, which are composed of clay.
Elevation: On slopes between 400-600 meters (1,300-1,970 feet)
Exposure: South, southeast, southwest
Density: 1,038-2,306 vines/acre
Training: Guyot
Vintage Report: A warm March was followed by a rather cold and rainy April and May. Early June was met with great weather that gave way to a hot and dry July. Heat and scattered rains from mid-July to the end of August guaranteed a correct water supply in the soil. This mixture of weather continued during September into the first half of October. Blooming and flowering were delayed for 10 days. In June, the vines started a sudden and vigorous development. Veraison began with some delay and continued fairly slowly. Harvest started a few days later compared to previous years.

Harvest Date(s): October 1 - October 12

Vinification
Barrel Aging: 24 months in oak casks (combination of Slovenian and French) and minimum 3 months in bottle.

Technical Information
Varietal Composition: 100% Sangiovese
Alcohol: 14.5%
TA: 5.8 g/L
RS: 0.6 g/L

UPDATED CURBSIDE PICKUP INSTRUCTIONS (JUNE 2021):

1. Place your online order. You will receive several emails. The first will acknowledge receipt of your order, another will let you know that your order is ready for pickup, and there will also be a separate email with instructions to schedule a curbside pickup date and time.

2. When replying to schedule your curbside pickup date and time, please
– give us at least two hours prior to your arrival
– let us know if you have multiple orders to consolidate so that we can make sure all your orders are ready

We will prepare your order(s), move them to the front of the store and send you a confirmation email that curbside pickup is ready. IMPORTANT! Due to space constraints, orders will only be held in the front of the store for curbside pickup for 24 hours. After 24 hours, they will be moved back to Will Call by the Customer Service Desk inside the store.

3. When picking up, pull up in front of the store. There is no need to call when you arrive at the store – just roll down your passenger window and let us know the name on the order(s). We will put your order(s) in your vehicle. There is no need to step out of your vehicle.