2021 Fattoria Selvapiana Chianti Rufina, Toscana – buy online

Rufina is the smallest of all the Chianti zones but also convincingly one of the most authentic. The cold winds blowing down the Sieve valley ensure finesse and definition in the wines, unmatched by only a few producers in Chianti Classico. Selvapiana is a classic Tuscan farm in the heart of Chianti Rufina. Its original purpose was to be the summer residence of Florentine bishops. Since 1957, it has been owned by Mr. Giuntini Masseti, who relentlessly works on restoring the reputation of Chianti Rufina.

WHERE?

Rufina is the smallest subregion in the Chianti zone (only 800 hectares). The grapes are grown on the ancient Selvapiana estate, located north of the town of Pontassieve and covering 56 hectares of vineyards. Mostly, the vineyards (with an average age between 15-40 years) are west-northwest facing. The soil in Rufina consists of notable galestro gravel mixed with limestone and clay, which, along with the proximity to the Apennines, provides a specific microclimate for late grape ripening and inherent freshness.

WHY?

Although the Chianti Classico subregion reaps most of the laurels, Chianti Rufina, this incomparably smaller appellation than Chianti Classico, often offers an elusive ratio of price and quality in the discipline called “traditional Chianti.” Selvapiana is the reference point for the entire region.