Fattoria Selvapiana Vigneto Bucerchiale 2012
Editor Rating
- Rated 4 stars
- Excellent
- Chianti Rufina Riserva
- Reviewed by: Treve Ring
- Published on: May 2, 2018
- Last modified: May 2, 2018
Review Summary:
Outside of Chianti Classico, the sub-region Rufina, NE of Florence, holds premium position. Altitude (up to 900 m), soils (galestro, chalk and marl) and pedigree (Florentine merchant families of the Antinori and Frescobaldi lineage own the majority of acreage) make Rufina an elegant and prominent place. This estate, originally built as a summer residence for Florentine bishops, is 240 hectares, 45 of which are planted to vine and 31 to olives. It was purchased in 1827 by Michele Giuntini Selvapiana and since 1957 it has been run by the 5th generation Giuntini family member, Francesco Giuntini Antinori. Consulting winemaker Franco Bernabei has been at Selvapiana since 1978, and Bucerchiale, their flagship wine and only made in the very best years, was born the year after he arrived. Gripped by stones and herbal thorns but with tannins eased with time in bottle, this is an age-softened Chianti Riserva with poise. Dried roses, worn leather, dried cherry and grippy, persistent tannins run the length of this streamlined red. Graphite and dusty stone, blue plum, fine mineral and a lifeline vein of acidity propel, but those chewy tannins still dry out on the finish. I would pour this with rabbit and wild mushrooms and be quite content.