2016 Volpaia Chianti Classico Riserva

• Wine of the Year Candidate
• Under $30/btl, 97pts
• Certified Organic
• 97pt Vintage, Wine Advocate

About the Wine

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.

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

Tasting Notes: Blended from eight vineyards and made of 100% Sangiovese, 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.

Reviews

Enticing aromas of black cherry, black currant and violet are allied to flavors of iron, wet earth and spice. This is loaded with fruit, vibrant acidity and well-mannered tannins. Shows terrific harmony now, yet possesses the structure to age. The long, mouthwatering finish extends the dark fruit and minerally elements. Best from 2021 through 2040. 6,000 cases made, 3,300 cases imported.  ~97WS

There’s a plethora of intense fruit here, from dark cherries and brambleberries to lifted orange rind, citrus and so much sage and lavender. Full-bodied and very layered with a wall of structured tannins and a medium-long finish. From organically grown grapes. ~94JS