At a glance

Producer

Castello di Volpaia

Region

Chianti Classico, Tuscany, Italy

Grape variety

Sangiovese dominant blend

Wine type

Red

Body

Medium-bodied and Earthy

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$40 - $55

Tasting profile

Fresh red cherry, earth, tea leaves, subtle spice, and slight oak influence

Evolution: Over 5-8 years, fruit will deepen, tannins soften, and secondary notes like leather and tobacco emerge

At peak: Well-integrated complex flavors with balanced acidity and smooth tannins

Structure

Acidity

Medium-high, providing freshness and aging capability

Tannins

Medium to firm, well-integrated with age

Alcohol

13.5% - 14%

Aging potential

12-15 years from vintage

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2028 to 2044

Optimal window

2025 to 2047

Current status

Approaching early drinking window, still youthful and firm

Current condition

Firm tannins and fresh acidity expected, needs cellaring for full expression

2019 was a very good vintage for Chianti Classico Riserva, offering ripe fruit and solid structure that will gain complexity and finesse with bottle aging, peaking between 8-14 years post vintage.

Food pairing

Pairs excellently with Tuscan dishes like grilled steak, roasted lamb, aged pecorino, mushroom risotto, and rich tomato-based sauces.

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (1 hour) — To soften tannins and aerate wine allowing fuller aromatics to develop

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 8/10

Water conservation methods in place, use of solar energy at estate, eco-friendly packaging including lightweight bottles and recyclable materials

Castello di Volpaia is recognized for sustainable farming rooted in organic viticulture, biodiverse vineyard management, and progressive energy use reduction efforts. Their environmental certifications confirm minimal chemical inputs and ecosystem preservation, making their Chianti Classico Riserva a responsible choice for eco-conscious consumers.