Chianti Rufina Riserva TerraElectae Vigneto Erchi
2019
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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In 1997 the Giuntini family was offered a parcel of land in Pontessieve, one of the five municipalities where Chianti Rufina can be produced. From 1993 - 1997 Selvapiana rented a parcel just next to the vineyard so they knew the potential of the area. After seeing the results, they were excited about a new opportunity to grow Sangiovese there and purchased the land. In 1999 they planted six hectares to Sangiovese (massal selection from the Bucerchiale vineyard), a few older Tuscan native varieties and olive trees, all of which have been cultivated organically since day one. They waited until 2016 to release the first vintage of Vigneto Erchi when they felt that the wines had reached a good age to make this exceptional single vineyard wine. Vigneto Erchi has the new TerraElectae designation that was created by Chianti Rufina producers in 2023 to highlight the special character of Sangiovese wines from Rùfina’s unique terroir.
Vigneto Erchi is 100% Sangiovese from vines planted in 1999. The vines are planted on calcarious and iron-rich soils and have been farmed organically since the beginning. Fermentation is carried out with natural yeasts and after malolactic fermentation, the wine is aged for 18 months in French oak barriques.
A complex, outstanding Chianti Rufina with savory grapefruit peel, tar, white pepper, dry earth, new leather and hints of mineral and fine musk. Pretty full-bodied and minerally on the palate with vertical, close-knit tannins extending to a long, savory finish.
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In the bottle with the bluish-green label, the 2019 Chianti Rufina Riserva Vigneto Erchi shows great balance and displays the quality found across these enjoyable wines from Selvapiana. The bouquet interjects with dark cherry, iris, earth and blood orange. The wine is firm and quite concentrated in terms of mouthfeel; however, it feels bright and lifted all the while.
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