WHO?
Rufina is the smallest of all Chianti zones but also convincingly one of the most authentic. The cold winds blowing down the Sieve valley ensure finesse and definition in the wines, a quality few producers in Chianti Classico can match. Selvapiana is a classic Tuscan farm in the heart of Chianti Rufina. Its original purpose was as a summer residence for Florentine bishops. Since 1957, it has been owned by Mr. Giuntini Masseti, who tirelessly works on restoring the reputation of Chianti Rufina.
WHERE?
The grapes come from the Fornace and Casanova vineyards (3ha total area) in Rufina, whose soil consists of a mixture of clay and limestone. The harvest is entirely manual at the optimum ripeness for each variety. Fermentation is spontaneous, with ambient yeasts in stainless steel tanks with maceration lasting 25 days. The final aging is in a combination of new and used French oak barrels for 29 months.
WHY?
‘Fornace’ is Selvapiana’s Super Tuscan, a Bordeaux blend predominantly composed of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot in equal proportions with a touch of Cabernet Franc. It’s a strongly structured wine with dense, sumptuous tannins balanced by lively acidity. Like ink, dark forest berries are framed by a discreet kiss of oak, with herbal and spicy notes of Mediterranean herbs (lavender and sage) appearing in the background with aeration. A brilliant creation of French provenance and Tuscan nobility.



