Chianti Rufina Riserva Bucerchiale
2018
Located in the hills east of Florence, Chianti Rufina is a very small appellation of just 600 hectares (for comparison, Chianti Classico covers a vast 7,000 hectares – virtually the entire zone between Florence and Siena). By reputation the wines are both more refined and more backward than other Chiantis – presumably a function of Rufina’s mix of galestro, limestone and clay soils, higher altitude, proximity to the inland Apennines, and cooler microclimate combining to produce later...
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Fattoria Selvapiana is one of Rùfina's modest superstars, defined by its very low-key profile and red wines that combine generously free-flowing fruit and faultless terroir expression. The lovely light tang in every sip stems from a mix of clay-limestone that provides fatness and juiciness, while schist or galestro engenders underlying depth. Organic.
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Translucent garnet a lovely, lifted note of initially juicy, ripe red cherry. With more air, dried Morello cherry is aromatic and comes with a herbal touch. The palate is wonderfully lithe: there is depth and density but an exquisite aromatic translucency that lends real elegance. The tannins are as firm as you would expect from Sangiovese, but also fine: with every crunch a new wave of Morello cherry aromas, highlighted by vivid acidity. The elegance is astonishing. Lovely and the poised opposite of a blockbuster.
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Very intense blackberries and spice with some earth and violets. Really complex. Full-bodied with layers of ripe tannins, yet they are firm and formed. Shows how well this cool area does in a hot vintage. Attractive now, but needs time to open.
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This has aromas of wild raspberries, plums, almond blossom, sandalwood, clay and green olives on the nose. Medium-bodied with fine, creamy tannins. Supple and transparent. Very fine.
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A very pure and beautiful red with cherry and strawberry. Subtle spice, such as nutmeg and cedar. Orange peel, too. Medium to full body. Firm, silky tannins melt nicely into the wine. Fresh and clean finish. A little tight at the end. A beautiful single-vineyard Chianti Rufina with structure.
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