Believe it or not, in the early 1970’s there were less than a handful productive wineries in the Radda UGA; Castello di Volpaia was one of those. Radda was simply remote and difficult to get to. However, times have changed and today, there are more than 40 active wineries! Volpaia is somewhat unique in that its vineyards are some of the highest elevation in the entire Chianti Classico zone.
Popped and poured, the 2021 “Chianti Classico” pours a light ruby color with a transparent core; medium viscosity with no staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with light notes of cherry, orange pith, dried green herbs and earth. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium tannins and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is medium. If Radda has a reputation for more elegant wines, then Volpaia is a leading example. While it’s more “reserved” than many others, there is substance and has a story to be shared. Drink now with some patience but I think this will be even more enjoyable in the next 5-10 years. — a year ago
Just bottled, the 2021 Chianti Classico is a powerful, wild wine. Readers will have to give the 2021 quite a bit of time, as it is dense. Floral and savory overtones, with a kick of white pepper and orange peel, open with a bit of coaxing, but the 2021 is an infant. Bright saline notes are a reminder we are in Radda. The 2021 is a blend of mostly younger vines from various parcels across the property. It spent 15 months in cask. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, August 2023)
— 2 years ago
The 2021 Chianti Classico, 100% Sangiovese from Radda, is sublime. Aromatic and delineated, with terrific energy, the 2021 soars out of the glass. Dark cherry fruit, lavender, spice, licorice and new leather all come alive in the glass. The 2022 spent two to three months on the skins, with about 40% whole clusters. Aging was done in a combination of vessels with the goal of building complexity in the final blend. It is an exceptional wine in every way. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, July 2024)
— a year ago
That’s nice. Most typical Radda Chianti w/o the French oak.3 vineyards combined for some time in SS then into large Slovenian Casks. So, henceforth, just a push from the wood, not a glaze.
Blood red dirty nose, plum and spice.
Tart on the palate, bright, strawberries, cherries, a reminder of what was.
Delicious.
Great w fatty sausages and red sauce. — 2 years ago
A nice amount of complexity and structure for an annata. Nose shows macerated cherry, moist gravel, spice, rich leather. In the mouth it’s got very good flavor intensity, with focused and piercing fruit and savory elements, all supported by some nice tannins and good acids. A vigorous specimen. — 2 years ago
Interesting expression of Sangiovese. High altitude vineyard in Radda. 13.5% abv. Harmonious seamless cherry fruit. Not that tart. Not showing the typical Sangiovese bite on the finish. A polished, refined Chianti Classico. Delicious if somewhat atypical. — 10 months ago
2017 Castello di Ama L’Apparita was the wine that I pulled for the evening. Italian Merlot. Ama is an old, fortified village situated near Radda and Gaiole in the heart of the Chianti Classico region. On the nose, intense dark berries. A full bodied wine with layers of beautiful ripe fruit. Perfect balance. Stellar finish. Stunning. — 2 years ago
Jason Sliwa
Loved this the first day. It dropped off the second day. On first day, it was very youthful in expression, and full bodied. I loved it. — 5 months ago