Region: Tuscany, Italy

Varietal: 65% Sangiovese, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon

Tasting notes: The first Supertuscans were created in the 1970s by Chianti Classico producers who rejected a restrictive government regulation that dictated which grapes were required to go into wines labeled as from the region. As such, to identify those with superior quality, the international press informally introduced the term: Supertuscan. The 2018 Balifico, Volpaia's Sangiovese/ Cabernet Sauvignon blend, is a fabulous example of this designation. Rich and inky, the 2018 offers up a compelling mélange of dark berry fruit, dark spice, licorice and espresso. I especially admire the wine's textural richness. I imagine the 2018 will drink well for many, many years to come.

Producer: Castello di Volpaia is located in an 11th century village that bears the same name. It sits on a hilltop just north of the town of Radda in Chianti, 2,024 feet above sea level, in the heart of the Chianti Classico region. One of the most historical wineries of the region, Volpaia is owned by the Mascheroni-Stianti family and benefits from some of the highest altitude southern exposure vineyards of the area, delivering certified organic Sangiovese-based wines of finesse and elegance with a terroir approach.

Vineyard and Winemaking: The Balifico vineyard shares its name and location with a villa. The vineyard was grafted over from older Sangiovese clones in 1982 when the existing vineyard was 10 years old. The technical approach for grafting was the same, but Volpaia planted Balifico to 35 percent Cabernet Sauvignon (grafted over from Sangiovese). Balifico has been gradually replanted during the last 20 years to increase plant density. The vines are fully exposed to south on light, sub-alkaline (pH 7.8), sandstone soil — ideal conditions for the grapes. Grapes from Balifico vineyard are used exclusively for the Balifico I.G.T. bottling.