Producer
The Rufina zone is the smallest of all in Chianti (about 1,000 hectares of vineyard) but also one of the most special. The cool breeze that blows down the Sieve Valley gives the best wines a finesse and definition that few in Chianti Classico can match. And there is no better producer in Rufina than Selvapiana, which has been in the family of Francesco Giuntini since 1827. Federico Giuntini Masseti now runs the property, which is situated just north of the town of Pontassieve. The estate covers 245 hectares, 60 of which are planted under vine (95% being Sangiovese), 22 are olive groves, and the rest is covered by woods. For the most part, the vineyards face west, though Selvapiana’s prized Bucerchiale vineyard is south west facing.
Vineyards
Erchi is a south facing vineyard covering six hectares in Pontassieve, on the slightly warmer western side of the Rufina denomination. Selvapiana purchased the land in 1998 and re – planted it in 1999. Vines are grown at altitudes of 200-260 metres above sea level. Soils have relatively high iron and chalk contents, with a small amount of galestro.
Vinification
Fermentation took place in stainless-steel tanks at controlled temperatures. The wine spent 35-40 days on skins after fermentation, with malolactic fermentation taking place during this time. After this, the wine spent 15-16 months in oak: 10% in new French oak barriques, and the rest in large casks. Finally, the wine spent one year in bottle before release.