Wines Chianti Castello di Volpaia - Balifico - 2015

Viniou Reviews

Castello di Volpaia's Cuvée Balifico 2015 is a distinguished red wine hailing from the Chianti DOC in Tuscany, Italy. This wine is crafted primarily from a blend of Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon, a stylistic choice that brings together the elegance and vibrancy of native grapes with the structure and depth of international varieties. The 2015 vintage benefited from an exceptionally balanced growing season, with warm days and cool nights allowing the grapes to reach optimal maturity. The grapes are meticulously hand-picked from hillside vineyards surrounding the ancient village of Volpaia, where the unique terroir of galestro (a rocky, schistous clay-limestone) imparts finesse and minerality. The vinification combines traditional methods, such as gentle maceration and ageing in French oak barriques, building rich, layered complexity while maintaining freshness and the wine’s Tuscan character.

Tuscany, one of Italy’s most revered wine regions, stretches across rolling hills between Florence and Siena, renowned for its picturesque vineyards and centuries-old viticultural heritage. The climate is typically Mediterranean, with warm summers and significant diurnal temperature variations, which are ideal for preserving acidity and aromatic vibrancy in the grapes. The region’s soils, a patchwork of clay, limestone, marl and sandstone, play a vital role in shaping the unique profile of Chianti wines, delivering wines with refined tannins, bright fruit, and notable ageing potential.

This wine’s bold, complex structure – with dark cherry, plum, cedar, leather, and subtle earthy undertones – makes it an excellent partner for robust Tuscan dishes. Traditional local pairings such as bistecca alla fiorentina (Florentine T-bone steak), wild boar ragù with pappardelle, or roasted lamb would be exceptional matches. The wine also complements hard cheeses like pecorino toscano, mushroom risottos, and grilled vegetables.

To fully appreciate the Cuvée Balifico 2015, serve it at 16-18°C. Decanting for an hour will help unfurl its aromatics and soften its tannins, making for a harmonious and memorable tasting experience now, or allow it to age gracefully in the cellar for a few more years.