Frascole
Chianti Rufina Riserva 2018

Frascole’s Chianti Rufina Riserva is produced from vineyards aged between 25 and 55 years of aged, planted at high density to ensure that plants struggle for water and nutrients to produce the best quality fruit. The backbone of the wine is four clones of Sangiovese, each bringing a slightly different character to the blend. As is traditional in the region, a small portion of Colorino is added to deepen colour.

Grapes are hand-picked in mid October, destemmed, fermented and macerated on skins for 35 to 40 days. This extracts the maximum flavour and colour and polymerizes the tannic structure. An additional 12 months in both barriques and tonneaux help to integrate the flavours and further integrate the tannins. Frascole’s wines always need a few years in bottle, and this vintage has aged for four additional years which has added considerable complexity to this Riserva. It is just starting to show its potential. It is drinking beautifully at the moment, but will also improve in the cellar for another 10 to 15 years.

Currently, the wine has a beautiful deep cherry red color that is just starting to show some age along the rim. The intense and elegant aroma is immediately floral, with notes of violet and rose petal. Macerated red cherries, forest berries, and blackberries provide the core fruit profile. There are also hints of leather, cracked black pepper, pipe tobacco and humous, not to mention a lovely sanguineous character that gives this wine an ethereal quality. On the palate, it is equally complex and concentrated, and at the same time both elegant and fresh. The pronounced acidity typical of the Rufina area is complemented by velvety tannins, making this the perfect accompaniment to a cold winter meal. A great Tuscan wine, with a long finish and potential for longer aging.