Medium ruby-garnet color; balsamic, cherry, leather on the nose; cherry, plum, strawberry, oak, smoke on the palate.
Dry; nicely integrated tannins and acidity. Medium-plus body. Fresh, clean, medium-length finish. Well-structured. At four years, just moving into its best drinking period. Generous reflection of a single Tuscan vineyard; 100% sangiovese. Benefits from exposure to air in the glass; consider decanting—I did not decant, but the wine became rounder and even more approachable as it evolved in large glass. 14% ABV
Selvapiana is the name of the estate in the Rufina subzone. The winery was founded in 1827. The website notes: “Selvapiana is among the best-known and most respected of the two dozen growers in Rùfina—the smallest subzone of Chianti—and as it happens is also one of only two wineries to produce wine from the tiny Pomino DOC. The Selvapiana winery, like all of Chianti Rùfina, lies close to the Sieve River, a tributary of the Arno upriver from Florence. The air is cooler and cleaner here than in the city, which is why these hills have long been a retreat for aristocrats escaping Florence’s summer heat. During the Renaissance, one noble Florentine family constructed the Selvapiana residence by enlarging a medieval watchtower that was one of the outposts guarding Florence from invading enemies.
“For centuries, the house was the summer home of a series of wealthy city dwellers, including bishops of Florence. Its modern history began in 1827, when banker Michele Giuntini Selvapiana bought the property. Ownership passed down through his descendants to the current owner, Francesco Giuntini Antinori, representing the fifth generation of family ownership. With the assistance of consulting enologist Franco Bernabei beginning in 1978, Selvapiana was among the first Tuscan producers to make a Chianti Riserva from 100% Sangiovese (1978) and to produce a single-vineyard wine (Bucerchiale 1979).”
Fattoria Selvapiana Vigneto Bucerchiale Chianti Rufina Riserva DOCG 2018 delivers delightfully smooth chianti, especially after a bit of exposure to air. Consider decanting, or swirl for a while in a large glass. Single vineyard, riserva wine from a DOCG region. Pleasantly fruity with some complexity and depth. Hard to get better at this price. Pair with beef—grilled, barbecue, roasted; Italian dishes with meat and red sauces; pizza; meatloaf, burgers and sliders; veal; wild game—venison, boar; baked chicken. Cheese—hard Italian cheeses; parmesan, especially aged parmesan; cheddar; parmigiano-reggiano; pecorino tascano; grana padano; asiago; provolone; fontina. $33-38
U.S. importer Della Terra website
