IGT Toscana ‘Balifico’
Balifico IGT blends 65% Sangiovese, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon. Aged 18 months in Allier oak, it shows ruby-purple color, blackberry, blueberry, oak, cinnamon aromas, smooth structure, and long red-fruit finish.
Nestled beside Coltassala and sharing its name with a historic villa, the Balifico vineyard is one of Volpaia’s most celebrated sites. First crafted in 1985, Balifico quickly became an icon of Tuscan winemaking, showcasing the elegance of Sangiovese enhanced by the structure of Cabernet Sauvignon.
The vineyard’s story began in 1982, when the estate decided to replant older Sangiovese vines with superior clones and graft 35% of the land to Cabernet Sauvignon. Since then, Balifico has been carefully replanted over time to maintain an average vine age of 20–25 years, while increasing density to ensure concentration and complexity.
Perched on sandstone soils with a sub-alkaline pH of 7.8, and fully exposed to the south, the vines thrive under ideal conditions. At 1,542 feet, 7.66 acres of Sangiovese enjoy a south-southwest exposure and Guyot training, producing fruit of remarkable finesse. Just below, 4.74 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon flourish at 1,475 feet, adding depth and richness to the blend.
Every grape from Balifico is devoted exclusively to the wine that bears its name, resulting in a bold yet refined Super Tuscan. Balifico embodies Volpaia’s unique harmony of tradition, innovation, and terroir—an unmistakable expression of Tuscany’s heart.
