Worth a Splurge Wine: A Prototype Chianti Classico

Completing our triumvirate of great Italian imports, this month’s Worth a Splurge Wine is the 2009 Castello di Volpaia Chianti Classico Riserva.  As with last month’s Splurge wine Meiomi Belle Glos, The Wine Bargain Sleuth is cognizant of the last of the holiday bills and the coming Tax Day, and this month’s Splurge Wine retails for a mere $27.  As noted above, this Tuscan red beauty features primarily Sangiovese and truly is a textbook example of how delicious a classic Tuscan red can be.  Wine Spectator was so impressed with the Castello di Volpaia offering that it laid a strong 92 rating on the Chianti Classico Riserva, commenting that “the sweet black cherry, blackberry and spice flavors highlight this powerful, polished red.”  The Castello Di Volpaia is still a bit tannic, indicating that a few years of patient and proper storage would reward the drinker.   I recommend that you pair this Chianti Classico Riserva with a hearty beef or sausage lasagna. Bellisimo!