Blackcurrants, blackberries, violets and hints of dark chocolate on the nose. Full-bodied and rich with layers of fruit and ripe tannins. Flavorful finish. This is just a baby really, but shows really clean and beautiful fruit. Drink after 2024.

Italian Wine Gems That Should Be Better Known

Chianti Classico is the best known district of the large Chianti zone, there are other sub-districts that are home to several renowned producers. Directly east and slightly north of the city of Florence, Chianti Rufina (pronounced ru-fee-na) is home to some of the highest vineyards plantings in all of Chianti, and one of the premier producers from here is Fattoria Selvapiana. Proprietor Francesco Giuntini Antinori first produced this wine from the 1979 vintage, and makes it only in the best vintages. 100% Sangiovese, matured in French barriques, the wine displays appealing cherry, orange zest and rosemary aromas and is medium-full on the palate, which is typical of the 2018 vintage in this area. The wood notes are subdued and the tannins are round; this is a highly complex, flavorful Chianti Rufina with great charm and style. Enjoy it tonight or over the next 5-8 years.

Chianti Rufina 2018 is the least expensive ($19), the easiest to enjoy, and the readiest to drink.  Its nose is surprisingly fruity and vibrant for a Chianti; it suggests fresh red cherries, dried herbs, fresh mint and thyme, and licorice.  In your mouth, the wine is dry and medium-bodied, a light-ish red with a spine of acidity and just a medium amount of tannin, with fruity flavors similar to its aromas. A noteworthy aspect of this wine is how well it “hangs” in your mouth — fruitiness in the front, acidity up the middle and a combination of fruitiness and textured tannin in the back. It’s a complete wine that delivers all across your mouth. Did I mention the price? Despite these connotations of “lesser than,” it’s the wine I really want to drink, especially now, in July.  

Black cherry, crushed stone and citrus fruit on the nose. Aromatic and pleasing. Medium-bodied with vivid fruit and a fresh finish. Very typical Chianti Rufina with subtle, clean fruit and bright acidity.

The 2016 Chianti Rùfina Vigneto Bucerchiale is a real standout. 
A wine of vertical explosiveness and energy, the 2016 Bucerchiale is deep, wonderfully defined and full of nuance. Macerated cherry, kirsch, sweet tobacco, licorice, menthol, chocolate and spice abound in this super-expressive, nuanced Chianti Rùfina. Expressive savory notes add the closing shades of nuance.
This is a such a gorgeous and complete wine.

Selvapiana's 2018 Chianti Rufina is exquisitely beautiful. A wine of translucence and character, the 2018 captures the essence of the vintage in spades. Dark cherry, blood orange, cinnamon, rose petal and mint are all laced together in the glass. The 2018 is effortless and silky, with striking aromatic presence and exceptional balance. This is so impressive. 

The Selvapiana 2015 Chianti Rufina Riserva Vigneto Bucerchiale is a generous and exuberant expression of Sangiovese that remains ever­faithful to its traditional and territory-driven roots. This wine speaks with a Tuscan tongue, giving voice to wild berry, earthy truffle and aromas of Mediterranean herb. The finish is softly fruity with subtle structure (which is firm and binding nonetheless) and fresh acidity. - Monica Larner

A new wine in the range, the 2016 Chianti Rufina Vigneto Erchi is off the charts. The purest essence of Sangiovese emerges from a wine that combines power with translucent finesse. Bright acids and citrus accents perk up the red Sangiovese fruit. Initially a bit austere, the 2016 gains volume with time in the glass. The Erchi emerges from a relatively new parcel for the state planted with cuttings from Bucerchiale. Compared to that wine, the Erchi has a much more red-fruited profile and also appears to handle aging in French oak better. The 2016 is a stellar debut. Don't miss it.