Balifico, Toscana IGT — 2020
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Vineyard Profile
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The Balifico vineyard shares its name and location with a villa. The first Super-Tuscans were created in the 1970s by Chianti producers who rejected government mandates that determined which grapes were required to go into their wine, especially white grapes like Malvasia and Trebbiano. The Super-Tuscans were also treated differently from Chianti, aged in small French barriques rather than in large Slovenian casks. Because they did not follow DOC regulations, the Super-Tuscans were entitled only to the lowest official designation of the time — vino da tavola. It wasn’t until 1994 that the government recognized the high quality of the Super-Tuscans and gave the wine its own category — IGT (Indicazione Geografica Tipica).
- Vineyards: Balifico (bawl-ee-FEE-co)
- Composition: 65% Sangiovese, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon
- Size: 12.4 total (7.66 Sangiovese; 4.74 Cabernet Sauvignon)
- Vine Age: Average is 20-25 years old (ongoing planting since the 1980s)
- Soil: Sandstone
- Elevation: Sangiovese: 470 meters (1,542 feet); Cabernet Sauvignon: 450 meters (1,475 feet)
- Exposure: South-southwest (Sangiovese); Southwest (Cabernet Sauvignon)
- Density: Sangiovese: 5,435 vines/hectare (2,200 vines/acre); Cabernet Sauvignon: 5,698 vines/hectare (2,306 vines/acre)
- Training: Sangiovese: Guyot; Cabernet Sauvignon: Cordon spur
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Vintage Report
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The 2020 wine production started early due to a warm winter and spring. Although temperatures dropped briefly in June, they quickly rose again and remained high throughout the summer. We had a dry winter but rainfall increased in May and the first half of June, before stopping almost entirely over the summer. Rain returned towards the end of August and during the harvest. The grapes were healthy, even those harvested later when the rain had begun again. In 2020, Volpaia wines have good acidity levels without excessive alcohol content, and are less concentrated but more elegant than in previous years.
- Harvest Date(s): Sangiovese: September 19; Cabernet Sauvignon: October 8
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Vinification
- Barrel Aging: 18 months in new French oak
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Technical Information
- Varietal Composition: 65% Sangiovese, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon
- Production Case Pack: 6/750ml
- Alcohol: 14%
- TA: 5.4 g/L
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Tasting Notes
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The Balifico has a vivid ruby color with a dark purple tinge. The nose is elegant, displaying aromas of blackberry and blueberry with hints of oak and cinnamon. This is a smooth wine with good structure and a long finish tasting of red fruit.
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Images
Reviews
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Balifico Toscana IGT — 2020 – Wine Enthusiast – 94 Points
“The nose is primarily savory and textured with aromas of graphite and tea leaves, but a floral element and notes of cranberries and fig provide buoyancy. On the palate, a mix of dried and fresh berries is lifted by a sea breeze on the finish, that blows past a blaze of accident and a careful tapestry of tannins.”
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Balifico, Toscana IGT — 2020 – Wine Spectator – 92 Points
"Loaded with black cherry, blackberry and floral aromas and flavors, this red is also firmly structured. Shows persistent fruit through the lingering aftertaste, where elements of earth and Tuscan scrub emerge."
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Balifico, Toscana IGT — 2020 – James Suckling – 93 Points
“Very pretty and floral aromas with orange blossom and currant character. Very attractive purity of fruit. It’s medium-bodied with polished, fine tannins and a fresh and clean finish. Tangy acidity.”
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Balifico, Toscana IGT — 2020 – Vinous – 93 Points
“A sleek, elegant wine. Silky contours and sweet floral notes lend finesse to this very pretty, nuanced Gran Selezione. All the elements are very nicely balanced. Hints of black cherry, plum, licorice and leather lend darkness throughout.”