2020 CHIANTI RUFINA, Selvapiana. Tuscany, Italy

Rufina, just east of Florence, is the smallest and coolest of the Chianti zones, with clay-limestone (‘Albarese’) soils, producing a medium-bodied, fresh style that normally ages beautifully.

95% Sangiovese, 5% Canaiolo/Colorino/Malvasia Nero; matured for a year, half in large (25hl) casks, half in concrete tanks (to preserve freshness).

Selvapiana is owned and run by Federico Giuntini Masseti – it has been in his family since 1827. The beautiful estate is 245 hectares, of which 60 hectares are vines, and around 30 are olive groves. He makes the wines with the help of consultant Franco Bernabei.

The style is cool, fresh, savoury and long-lived. Not fruity or modern in any way, but brilliant with food.

Proper Chianti needs food, please don’t judge it on first taste, but when you have an appetizing plate of pasta in front of you.

Matthew Jukes’s write-up for our promotion in MoneyWeek magazine:
“I have written up many wines from this stellar estate in this column over the years, but never this glorious estate wine which, again, I have to admit to drinking very regularly indeed at home. Coming from the finest winery in the Florentine environs this is one of the greatest value Chiantis of all time and, unlike almost all of the competition it always drinks well young. Joyous blackberry and spice fruit notes abound, with a snap of freshness on the finish which reminds you that Rufina is a region blessed with altitude. Sheer heaven in a glass, and you can even chill it a tad when the temperature rises.”