Small but mighty: Chianti Rùfina 💪🏼
Highest prestige at high altitude
Rùfina is a picturesque small sub-region of the Chianti wine-producing area, which still remains under the Tuscan radar. Wine making tradition here goes back to Etruscan times and as early as 1716, the area was mentioned as one of the best growing areas in the Grand Duchy of Tuscany. Today there are 22 wineries here that produce 3 Mio bottles.
The Rùfina region benefits from a higher elevation, which can reach up to 900m above sea level, that contributes to a cooler climate and a longer growing season. Thus allowing grapes to achieve optimal ripeness, while maintaining essential acidity. The unique terroir, characterized by calcareous soils along with a diverse mix of forest and vineyard, imparts distinctive qualities to its wines, often delivering complex aromas and a vibrant flavor profile.
Ageing gracefully
The region is widely renowned for its exceptional Sangiovese wines. While the Sangiovese grape is typically one of the most complex vines to grow. It’s very hard to find a more suitable area for its cultivation than the Rùfina one!
Chianti Rùfina wines are particularly known for their elegance and structure, as well as their remarkable ability to age gracefully over time, making them a distinguished choice among Italian reds.
Production Rules
Like all Chianti, the Chianti Rùfina must comprise at least 70% Sangiovese. Other red varieties (Canaiolo, Colorino, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot) are permitted up to a proportion of 30%. However, international grape varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon and/or Cabernet Franc may only be added up to a maximum of 15%. All grapes used for a Rufina DOCG wine must come from the production area. The wines must have an alcohol content of at least eleven percent by volume. Wine lovers are only allowed to pop the corks from September of the year following the grape harvest.
Try for yourself: Chianti Rùfina DOCG Riserva from Fattoria Il Capitano
Chianti Rùfina made from 100% Sangiovese
In the glass it appears ruby red with reflections that turn towards garnet. The nose it exhibits varied and intense aromas, with hints of black fruit, plum, balsamic tones and Mediterranean scrub. Intense spiciness, especially liquorice. On the palate the structure is robust and aristocratic, with bold tannin and hints of liquorice and spices at the end.
A Chianti that excellently interprets the most typical and traditional character of Sangiovese.
Food Pairing: Particularly suitable for roasts and game, red and white meat, spicy cheeses.
Vintage: 2018
Price: $33.90
Fattoria Il Capitano - An authentic sensorial journey in the Chianti lands
Fattoria Il Capitano is located among rolling hills near Pontassieve, in the heart of the Chianti Rùfina area. In 1877 Francesca Campanari Balbi who laid the foundations of the company, while Marianna Quartara in Balbi - another female figure of great importance - consolidated its success. Maria Eugenia Ollandini, the latter's granddaughter, began producing bottled wine in the 70s.
The current property is headed by the Alacevich family with Stefano Alacevich at the helm, supported by his brothers and the expertise of winemaker Maurizio Alongi.
Fattoria Il Capitano extends over 30ha of land: two thirds cultivated with olive groves and one third with vineyards. The production philosophy of the Alacevich family is based on respect for the nature and the valorization of the territory. All grapes are harvested by hand following the rhythms and peculiarities of each year, thus bringing the berries to the correct ripeness. The wines tend to be fresh, medium structured, moderately tannic, with a very high aging potential.
“I love this company which represents a piece of my heart, where I lived wonderful years as a child, and where today as an adult I try to preserve and make it even better and protect the area for future generations.”
Other Fattoria Il Capitano wines for you to try:
Torricella
This 100% Sangiovese rosé, displays a pink color with intense shades of bright red. It‘s delicate bouquet gives fruity and floral notes. In the mouth you can experience a beautiful dry wine with a good aromatic persistence and good structure.
The Torricella is obtained from a must left in contact with the grapes for 18-24 hours. Subsequently the must is separated from the pomace and then fermented in steel vats at a controlled temperature. The wine matures in steel tanks for 6 months before being bottled.
Vintage: 2021
Price: $23.40
Special Discount on Italian Wines
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Special Discount on Italian Wines 〰️
As the summer ☀️ is slowly taking its leave, we can’t help but daydream about the enchanting hills of Tuscany 🇮🇹, the sweet scent of vineyards 🍇, the gentle breeze and those jaw-dropping views! Why not re-live those summer memories by enjoying select Italian wines?
We feature a special offer for the end of summer - order any 6 bottles of Italian wines from our portfolio and GET 20% OFF THE ENTIRE ORDER! And free shipping is included too!