Castello di Volpaia Chianti Classico Riserva 2020

Castello di Volpaia Chianti Classico Riserva 2020 is a 100% Sangiovese red wine from Tuscany's Chianti Classico DOCG, bottled at 13.5% ABV in 750ml. Scored 95 points by Wine Enthusiast and 94 points by James Suckling, this Riserva comes from one of the highest-elevation estates in the entire Chianti Classico zone — organically farmed vineyards planted between 450 and 650 meters above sea level in the commune of Radda in Chianti.

Quick Facts: ABV: 13.5%  |  Origin: Radda in Chianti, Chianti Classico DOCG, Tuscany, Italy  |  Riserva  |  Estate: Castello di Volpaia

Production & Heritage

Castello di Volpaia is a medieval fortified village perched nearly 2,000 feet above sea level in Radda in Chianti, one of the historic heartland communes of Chianti Classico. The estate farms organically, and the 2020 Riserva is made from 100% Sangiovese sourced from these high-altitude plots, where significant diurnal temperature swings preserve natural acidity and develop aromatic complexity. After fermentation, the wine ages for 24 months in a combination of Slovenian and French oak casks, followed by a minimum of three months of bottle aging before release.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with ripe cherry and dried strawberry, layered with violet and dried orange peel. Deeper breaths reveal crushed stone, leather, and subtle dried flower notes.

Taste: The entry is bright and juicy, led by wild cherry and plum. At mid-palate, crushed raspberry and baking spice emerge alongside a firm tannic backbone. Dark cherry and mocha tones build toward a structured, savory peak.

Finish: Medium to long, with lingering notes of tobacco, leather, and underbrush. Fine-grained tannins carry the fruit through a dry, mineral-tinged close.

How to Serve Volpaia Riserva 2020

Serve at 60–65°F (16–18°C) and consider decanting for 30–45 minutes to let the oak-aged tannins soften and the aromatics fully open. This is a wine built for the table, with the acidity and structure to stand alongside rich, savory cooking. Bistecca alla fiorentina is a textbook pairing — the Sangiovese's tannins cut cleanly through charred fat. Wild boar ragù over pappardelle mirrors the wine's earthy, spiced character. Aged Pecorino Toscano highlights its dried fruit and herbal undertones.

Best For

• Anchoring a Tuscan-themed dinner party with a serious centerpiece red
• Gifting a Sangiovese enthusiast or Italian wine collector
• Cellaring for medium-term aging through 2032–2035
• Pairing with hearty fall and winter roasts, braises, or aged cheeses

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Volpaia Riserva 2020 taste like? It leads with bright cherry and plum fruit, followed by baking spice, leather, and tobacco, all supported by firm but polished tannins and a mineral-driven finish.

How does Volpaia Riserva compare to Castello di Bossi Berardo Riserva? Both are 100% Sangiovese Chianti Classico Riservas, but Volpaia's vineyards sit at significantly higher elevation (450–650 meters), which tends to produce more aromatic lift and brighter natural acidity. Castello di Bossi's Berardo Riserva typically shows a riper, more fruit-forward profile from its lower-altitude sites.

Is Volpaia Riserva 2020 good for cellaring? Yes — firm tannic structure, bright acidity, and 24 months of oak aging give it a drinking window that should extend comfortably to 2032–2035 with proper storage.

Where is Volpaia Riserva made? Castello di Volpaia is located in the medieval hilltop village of Volpaia in the commune of Radda in Chianti, within the Chianti Classico DOCG zone of Tuscany, Italy.

What foods pair well with Volpaia Riserva 2020? Bistecca alla fiorentina matches its tannic grip; wild boar ragù echoes its earthy spice; aged Pecorino Toscano complements its herbal and dried-fruit notes; lamb shanks with rosemary work with its savory depth; and mushroom risotto mirrors its forest-floor undertones.

What sizes does Volpaia Riserva come in? The standard release is a 750ml bottle.

Is Volpaia Riserva 2020 worth the price? Positioned as a mid-premium Chianti Classico Riserva, it delivers critical acclaim — 95 points from Wine Enthusiast and 94 from James Suckling — that places it among the strongest values in the Riserva tier.

Why Volpaia Riserva 2020?

The 2020 vintage earned some of the highest scores in the estate's recent history, with Wine Enthusiast awarding 95 points, James Suckling 94, and Monica Larner at Wine Advocate giving 93. What separates Volpaia from the majority of Chianti Classico producers is altitude — at nearly 2,000 feet, these are among the highest vineyards in the denomination, producing Sangiovese with pronounced aromatic complexity and a bright acid spine that lower-altitude sites rarely match. Organic farming and a patient 24-month oak regimen in mixed Slovenian and French casks add depth without masking varietal character. This is site-driven, critically acclaimed Sangiovese that rewards both immediate drinking and medium-term cellaring.