Selvapiana, Chianti Rufina
Vintage: 2023
| Vintage | Product Code | Format | Closure | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | SE401A23 | 12 x 75 | Diam | Contact Us |
| 2023 | SE401M23 | 6 x 150 | Natural Cork | Available |
| 2023 | SE401S23 | 6 x 75 | Screwcap | Available |
Producer
Rufina is the smallest of Chianti’s subzones, comprising only 600 hectares of vineyards, yet it is also one of the most special. Here, the cool breeze that blows down the Sieve Valley creates exceptional wines with a finesse and definition that few others in Chianti Classico can match. There is no better producer in Rufina than Selvapiana, which has been in the family of Francesco Giuntini since 1827.
Federico Giuntini Masseti now runs the property just north of the town of Pontassieve. The estate comprises 250 hectares, 60 of which are planted under vine (95% Sangiovese) 36 are olive groves, while woodland covers the rest. Most of the vineyards are west facing, though Selvapiana’s prized Bucerchiale vineyard faces south-west.
The Chianti Rufina is fine and elegant, perfectly exemplifying the Selvapiana style. Federico considers the ‘Vigneto Bucerchiale’ a more weighty and powerful expression of Rufina, though it still displays the vibrancy of fruit that characterises the Selvapiana wines. The ‘Vigneto Erchi’ hails from a six-hectare, south-facing vineyard that Selvapiana purchased in 1998 and replanted in 1999. This beautiful site is on the slightly warmer western side of the Rufina denomination. The resulting single-vineyard wine is made from only the finest grapes and offers serious power balanced by delicate finesse.
Vineyards
The grapes for this wine are grown on the Selvapiana estate, which covers 60 hectares. The vineyards are mostly west/north-west facing and are situated at an altitude of 150-200 metres above sea level, on clay and limestone soils. Vine density varies from 3,200 per hectare – for the older vines planted in the late 1970s, to 5,200 per hectare – for the younger vines planted in the early 2000s. All vineyards are farmed organically with an average yield of 35-40 hectolitres per hectare.
Vintage
The 2023 vintage in Tuscany was characterised by very high level of rainfall which naturally affected the grapes. Careful vineyard management was needed to combat disease and mildew. Despite the fact that there was no rainfall in July and extremely high temperatures, the grapes remained healthy thanks to the water reserves accumulated in the previous months. Overall, yields were reduced but of excellent quality.
Vinification
All varieties were harvested both by hand and machine. Upon arrival at the winery, they were fermented separately in a combination of stainless-steel and cement tanks, at controlled temperatures of between 28-30°C. Maceration on the skins lasted 30 days with daily pumping over, to extract both flavour and tannins. Following fermentation, the wine was aged for around 12 months in a mixture of 25-30 litre French oak barrels and cement tanks, then finally blended and bottled.
Tasting Notes & Technical Details
This Chianti Rufina is bright ruby red in colour. The nose displays intense aromas of red cherry and cranberry coupled with ripe black fruit and spicy notes. On the structured palate, juicy fruit flavours are balanced by a refreshing acidity, floral notes and gentle tannins.
Alcohol (ABV)
13%
Other wines from this producer
Producer | Wine | Product Code | Features | Style | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Selvapiana | `Vigneto Bucerchiale` Chianti Rufina Riserva | SE403 | R | ||
| Vin Santo del Chianti Rufina | SE404 | Sw | |||
| `Vigneto Erchi` Chianti Rufina | SE408 | R | |||
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | SE450 | OO | Factsheet |