The hilly Rùfina subzone lies east of Florence, northeast of Chianti Classico, and the mix of aspect, elevation, and limestone clay soils conspires to produce elegant, highly perfumed wines. This one is a blend of 95 percent Sangiovese with a balance of Canaiolo, Colorino, and Malvasia Nera, three other grapes native to this region. Vines range from 15 to 40 years old and are densely planted, at 5,200 to 7,200 vines per hectare (the DOCG regulated minimum is 3,300), which yields more concentrated flavor. Fruit was vinified in stainless with ambient yeast, and the wine aged in French oak cask.
It is a brilliant cherry color—a vibrant, nearly transparent red—and its fragrance suggests cherries and black tea with lilting notes of rosewood, sandalwood, and sweet tobacco. The body feels at once drying but juicy, with tart cherry fruits carried on tannins sueded like fine sandpaper. Cherry is truly the dominant theme, here, a hallmark of Sangiovese, yielding a wine that’s polished, supremely drinkable, and a superlative value.
13% abv | $17 (sample) Imported by Dalla Terra
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