Christy Canterbury MW

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Fattoria Selvapiana New Releases

Fattoria Selvapiana has been a family business based high in the hills of Chianti Rufina for 133 years and five generations. The high elevation vineyards range between 750 to 900 feet above sea level which, combined with the coolness provided by the neighboring Apennine Mountains, means that the grape clusters hang longer than those at lower altitudes to obtain ideal ripeness, all the while retaining a more resounding freshness and liveliness. 

These are wines of finesse and fragrance, whatever the vintage. Don't let the seemingly high alcohol levels lead you astray. Their refined balance delivers harmony via their multi-sensory experiences. The icing on the cake is the organic certification for all of the vineyards.

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Fattoria Selvapiana 2015 Chianti Rufina Riserva Vigneto Bucerchiale 14.5% $36
Hedonistically savory, this wine blasts an array of drying rose petals, warm sandalwood and scorched earth. The longer it is open, the more it turns toward the rose petals. The attack is broad and lightly mouthcoating with impressively smooth tannins for the often gruff Sangiovese. The lingering, silky finish with integrated acidic lift carries shriveled cranberries and sweet raspberries with it. Though drinking beautifully now, there is no need to rush to pop this cork.
Drink: 2020-27

91
Fattoria Selvapiana 2016 Chianti Rufina 14% $19
Elegance in a glass, the highly defined, millefeuille of flavors in this Chianti Rufina glides across the palate. It tastes of dried mulberries and crunchy earth with a surprising twist of caramel on the back palate. Bewitchingly vibrant with its crisp tannins and tugging acidity, it turns sensual and sultry on the lingering finish with its whirlwind of flint, pipe tobacco and potting soil. At only $19, this is a SCREAMING value!
Drink: 2020-26

90
Fattoria Selvapiana 2014 Pomino Rosso Villa Petrognano 15% $21
Composed of 60% Sangiovese with equal parts Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, this five-year-old wine is still a bit clunky and needs more time in bottle. Yet, it is still entirely enjoyable now and should appeal especially to wine drinkers prefering a heartier mid-palate. The tannins are more prominent here than in the other reds, too, showing a pleasant firm bite. Well-concentrated and structured all around, this has the legs to go the distance and settle down.
Drink: 2021-24