2021 Chianti Classico Riserva, Castello di Volpaia

Perched high in the hills of Radda in Chianti, Castello di Volpaia is one of Tuscany’s most historic and picturesque wine estates. Housed within a beautifully preserved medieval village, the estate has been owned by the Mascheroni Stianti family since 1972 and is internationally celebrated for producing elegant, terroir-driven wines that reflect both their high-altitude origins and the family’s commitment to organic viticulture. All of Volpaia’s vineyards are certified organic and lie at elevations of up to 600 metres, making them among the highest in Chianti Classico, imbuing their wines with exceptional freshness, energy, and ageing potential.

The 2021 Chianti Classico Riserva is a beautifully composed wine, crafted from the estate’s finest Sangiovese parcels, aged in a combination of large oak casks and French barriques to add depth and refinement.

In the glass, it displays an expressive bouquet of wild cherry, redcurrant, and dried rose, with hints of baking spice, sweet tobacco, and crushed herbs. The palate is pure and precise, offering layers of vibrant red fruit, framed by fine-grained tannins and a lifted acidity that speaks to its mountainous provenance. A gentle touch of oak adds polish without overpowering the wine’s natural brightness. The finish is long, graceful, and mineral-laced, with a lingering echo of tart cherry and subtle earthiness.

The 2021 Riserva is a wine of both structure and finesse, ideal for cellaring over the next 10–15 years, but also captivating in its youth with a short decant. A quintessential expression of Chianti Classico from one of its most admired estates, it pairs beautifully with grilled meats, aged Pecorino, and hearty Tuscan cuisine.   BRAVO!