Raffaldini Sangiovese Classico 2023 - "Delizioso!"

The Raffaldini story began in 2001 when Jay and Barbara Raffaldini purchased an abandoned farm near Winston-Salem, North Carolina, in the heart of the Yadkin Valley. The farm today is more than 60 acres, with  more than 32 acres currently under vine. They primarily cultivate Italian grape varietals. Their flagship grapes include Sangiovese, Montepulciano, Sagrantino, and Vermentino. They also grow Trebbiano, Teroldego, Nero D'Avola, and French-inspired varieties like Petit Verdot and Tannat. They are one of the premiere quality wine producers on the Eastcoast. 

I tasted this wine standing alongside Michael Kaiser and Richard Leahy at the Eastern Winery Exposition 2026 in Richmond, Viriginia. Of course, Sangiovese is the grape used to make Chianti. And Raffaldini is unique because they have grown this finicky grape in the humid climes of North Carolina rather than the grape's more famous, rocky and arid home of Italy. 

The Raffaldini Sangiovese Classico 2023 is made from 100% estate fruit. After harvest, the grapes are put through the Appassimento drying process to further concentrate their flavor and structure. They also employ the other Italian winemaking technique known as Ripasso - which utilizes grape skins that have been dried for other wines and “repass” the fresh wine over the skins to further deepen the wine with more flavor and complexity.

The nose starts with almost a floral note, as well as with ripe fresh cherries, and a compote of red raspberries. Light and elegant, the wine is super approach able, with mid-palate notes of earth and vanilla, and finishes with a very well balanced acidity and light tannins, making this a lovely sip. A truly delectable wine. With lots of complexity and flavor. Tremendously remarkable!

Delizioso!