Perched amid the rugged hills of Radda in Chianti, Castello di Volpaia is a benchmark Tuscan estate with roots stretching back to the 11th century. Since the 1970s, it has been meticulously restored and revitalised by the Mascheroni Stianti family, who transformed the medieval village into a model of organic winemaking excellence. Today, the estate is renowned for producing some of the region’s most elegant and terroir-driven wines thanks partly to its high-altitude vineyards (up to 600 metres), certified organic farming, and a thoughtful balance of tradition and innovation.

The 2020 Coltassala Chianti Classico Gran Selezione is the estate’s flagship wine, sourced from a historic single vineyard once part of a centuries-old farmstead. Originally produced as a Super Tuscan in the 1980s, Coltassala now represents the pinnacle of Chianti Classico as a Gran Selezione, the appellation’s highest classification. Made from predominantly Sangiovese with a touch of Mammolo, this wine undergoes extended ageing in French oak barriques, delivering structure and refinement.

In the glass, the 2020 Coltassala shows a vibrant ruby hue with a deeply expressive nose of wild cherry, black plum, and violet, layered with hints of sweet spice, cedar, and fine tobacco. The palate is rich and textured, with a core of ripe red and black fruit balanced by firm yet polished tannins, and underpinned by the signature fresh acidity of Radda’s elevated terroir. The finish is long, savoury, and nuanced, echoing with notes of balsamic herbs and graphite.

The 2020 vintage delivers power and poise, making this a Gran Selezione that is beautifully drinkable now but structured for long-term ageing. A perfect match for bistecca alla fiorentina, braised meats, or truffle risotto, this wine exemplifies the sophistication and soul of modern Chianti Classico.