Frascole
Chianti Rufina 12 btls 2020

Chianti Rufina is the coolest sub-region of Chianti, located about 30 minutes North East of Florence. High altitude vineyards sit about 500 metres above sea level, giving a much more continental climate than the rest of Tuscany. The high altitude is significant because while the days are hot, the nights tend to be quite cool, even in the summer, which makes wines that are more aromatic, with more fruit characteristics, higher acidity and greater aging capacity. Sangiovese ripens more slowly in Rufina, which tends to make for more enjoyable tannins. There are just 22 wineries in the area, most very small. Although the region is not as well-known as Chianti Classico, those in the know believe this region to produce the best in all of Chianti.

This blend of 90% Sangiovese, 5% Canaiolo and 5% Colorino comes from three organic vineyard plots, planted in 1970, 1996 and 1998. Grapes are hand-picked and then sorted before being de-stemmed and crushed. The winery employs several different fermentation vessels, both stainless steel and concrete, and uses only indigenous yeasts for alcoholic and malolactic fermentation. When the malos are finished, half of the wine goes into a combination of barrels (large and small, new and old) for about 12 months. After a full eighteen months, the final wine is blended from the different barrels and bottled without fining or filtration.

This is a classic Rufina, with a heady aroma of red fruits on the nose (wild berries, macerated red cherries, crushed strawberries, red currants) with violets, chocolate, baking spice and moist black earth. The palate is medium bodied, very elegant and fine, with delightfully smooth, fine-grained tannins and well-integrated fresh acidity. Enjoy with a pasta ragu, gourmet pizza, grilled meats, honestly, anything! At the moment, the aromas of oak are quite prominent, so a short decanting will help. This is drinking well now but will cellar for another 10 years.