2018 Castello di Volpaia "Balifico", Tuscany, Italy

ABOUT THIS WINE

March was warm but the following months April and May were very cold and rainy. Good weather started from June 10th and the end of the month and beginning of July were very warm and dry. Intense warm from mid-July to end of August, interspersed with some rain that were able to guarantee the right humidity to the soil. In September and mid-October the weather was good but always with some scattered rain. Blooming was delayed of 10 days as well as flowering. In June vines started a sudden and vigorous development. Veraison began with some delay and continued fairly slow. Harvest started a few days later compared to the previous years.

ABOUT THIS PRODUCER

The Florentine family, “della Volpaia” (from Volpaia), consisted of artists and builders that designed armillary spheres and solar clocks. The most famous amongst them was Lorenzo, friend of Leonardo da Vinci, who built the extraordinary planetary clock for Florence’s Palazzo Vecchio.

Today, Castello di Volpaia is owned by the Mascheroni Stianti family, which ensures that every restoration respects its original artistic characteristics. Respecting eleventh century tradition, the castle and surrounding village remains heavily involved in the production of Volpaia’s wine and olive oil.

That of the Volpaia area is a unique terroir in the Chianti Classico area.

The vineyards about 45 hectares are over 400 m. above sea level. on predominantly sandstone soils rich in skeleton suitable for the production of elegant and long-lasting reds, harmonious and aristocratic wines that manage to maintain the fruity aromas of the best Sangiovese for a long time.

Typical wines of the so-called “Alto Chianti” and easily recognizable for the composite elegance of their bouquet referable, in addition to the microclimate of the area, also to the very particular clonal selection carried out by the farm that led to the rediscovery and re-engagement of ancient indigenous Sangiovese strains. This long process led to the creation of 3 Crus: Coltassala, Il Puro and Balifico, each with its own distinctive features.