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Selvapiana 2023 Chianti Rufina
Selvapiana 2023 Chianti Rufina
The Wine
Rufina (ROO fee nah) is one of Chianti's seven sub-zones, found due East and a teeny bit North of Florence. It is nestled into the foothills of the Apennines mountains that separate Tuscany from Emilio-Romagna, and that form the spine of Italy from North to South.
95% Sangiovese, 5% Canaiolo, Colorino and Malvasia Nera. 75% of the wine was aged in large, 25 hectoliter botti (aka, casks), with the remaining 25% in old, neutral oak barriques for 10 months. The wine is marked by a notable elegance for Chianti Rufina.
Be sure not to confuse the Chianti Rufina sub-zone with the large Tuscan winery of a similar name - Ruffino (roo FEE noh) - which is located in a different sub-zone altogether, Chianti Classico (thankfully, or we'd all get really confused).
Rufina is as well-known for its olive oil as its wine, both crops benefitting from the region's continental climate and limestone soils which make for long growing seasons, full flavor development and age-worthy wines!
The Winery
The Rufina region's most famous producer is likely the Marchesi de Frescobaldi, but Fattoria Selvapiana has been producing olive oil and wine for generations and Selvapiana owner Francesco Giuntini was an energetic and enthusiastic advocate for the region's quality. Francesco's grapes were so good that he advocated for a 100% Sangiovese wine long before the grape was sufficiently understood and developed in other areas.
Francesco had no children of his own, so upon the death of his long-time Estate Manager, Franco Masseti, in 1990, Francesco adopted Franco's son and daughter (Federico and Silvia) and they have run the winery since 1997. Now the winery is in transition to Federico's son.
For more information on the Rufina sub-zone, check out this great map from the region.
All of Selvapiana's wines are 100% estate grown. 18,000-20,000 case production. Estate extends over 60 hectares (148 acres), nearly 55 of which are cultivated with Sangiovese grapes and 2 hectares to Canaiolo, Colorino and Malvasia Nera. 1 hectare is dedicated to white grapes, Trebbino Toscano and Malvasia Bianca for thr production of Vin Santo 3 hectares are planted with international varieties, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Entirely organic. Natural yeast fermentations.
There is a local name for the soil type here - “Massiccio del Chianti” - which is similar to the better-known “Galestro” of Chianti Classico - clay overlaid with limestone. Walking through the vineyards one sees dry and stony soils that are very well drained. At an elevation of 2,400 feet, the estate is subject to both Alpine and Appenine influences that create a microclimate favorable to longer ripening periods without the loss of critical acidity. Their vineyards are about 30% 'old vines'.
Rufina is the highest regarded and smallest of the seven zones surrounding Chianti Classico and is at the northernmost limit for ripening Sangiovese. The region is sometimes referred to as “Chianti in Montagna” or mountain Chianti because of the high elevation.
The area is saturated with history. The wines produced in this region were already so well regarded the grand-ducal government of the Medicis issued in 1716 the famous proclamation (“bando”) aimed at curbing illicit practices in the wine trade. This was the first ever wine law. But even earlier, the estate was an eleventh century medieval watch tower and summer home of the Bishop of Florence.
Selvapiana wines are famous for age-worthiness, with higher acidity, compact fruit and an aromatic richness that is uncommon but welcome in a Chianti.