From one of the Bridesmaid Chianti subzones, this wine gives excellent inspiration as to why it's sometimes immensely rewarding to look at other regions as well as Chianti Classico. This wine in particular will make you look again.
This is a powerful Rufina, with deep flavours of black berry, raspberry, spices and herbs delivered on a rich, warm and smooth palate that is long and full. It is intense but also really well-defined with great structure and energy. Ageworthy wines like this are normally only found in Chianti Classico or the Super Tuscans, so it is a really lovely surprise to find one in this smaller, more affordable, zone.
The Bucerchiale vineyard is the prized possession of the Selvapiana estate, where the grapes produced are significantly more intense and powerful than those in the rest of the estate. However, because the vineyard is not that large and because the climate is not always consistent, this wine is only made in the best vintages. When they don't make the Bucerchiale, thist fruit is blended into the rest of the Chianti Rufina.
Chianti Rufina is the second-smallest region of Chianti and is only a thousand hectares in total. Selvapiana own about a quarter of them, but only have 54 hectares under vine and 22 planted as olive groves. Over 90% of the grapes are Sangiovese and the vineyards are moderately high in altitude, ranging from 150 to 200 metres above sea level and grown on clay and limestone soils.
It's also the wine from the estate that garners critical acclaim. Seriously, this is good stuff...
"The Chianti Rùfina Vigneto Bucerchiale is a real standout. A wine of vertical explosiveness and energy, the 2016 Bucerchiale is deep, wonderfully defined and full of nuance. Macerated cherry, kirsch, sweet tobacco, licorice, menthol, chocolate and spice abound in this super-expressive, nuanced Chianti Rùfina. Expressive savoury notes add the closing shades of nuance. This is a such a gorgeous and complete wine." Antonio Galloni
The pure Sangiovese character is so impressive and enticing; this frames bark, dried rosemary, rose petals, cedar, burnt orange peel, truffles and earth. The tannins are so firm and serious, while the forthright acidity is the perfect combination. Layers of taut but plush red fruit and continual, savoury and umami undertones. Superb." James Suckling
Country: Italy
Grape(s): Sangiovese, Malvasia Nera, Colorino, Canaiolo
Style: Svelte, Smooth, Silky, Perfumed, Medium Bodied, Elegant, Complex, Balanced
Best food matches: Venison, Steak, Roasts, Red Meats, Mature Cheeses, Lamb, Hard Cheeses, Game, Fine Dining, Duck
Alcohol: 14.5%
