2022 Selvapiana - Chianti Rufina Riserva Bucerchiale (750ml)

Fattoria Selvapiana has stood in the Rufina hills east of Florence since 1827, when banker Michele Giuntini purchased what had been a summer residence for Florentine nobility. The estate passed down through five generations to Francesco Giuntini Antinori, who, with no children of his own, adopted his estate manager's two children, Federico and Silvia, who have run the property jointly since 1997. Federico's son Niccolo now oversees winemaking. Selvapiana was a pioneer in the region, producing one of Tuscany's first 100 percent Sangiovese Riservas in 1978 and creating the single-vineyard Bucerchiale the following year with consulting winemaker Franco Bernabei.

Bucerchiale comes from a 12.5-hectare organically farmed vineyard on the estate, with vines ranging from those planted in 1968 to more recent additions from 2001. Grapes ferment spontaneously in a mix of steel and cement tanks, and the wine matures for about 15 months in a combination of medium-sized oak casks and French barriques, only a small portion of which are new. It is made exclusively in the estate's strongest vintages.

The wine offers an intense ruby color and a nose of ripe raspberry and spiced cherry, layered with violet, dried herbs, and a touch of vanilla and tobacco. On the palate it is powerful and full, with robust tannins and a long, refined finish. Its structure calls for roasted game, braised beef, or a wild mushroom and truffle dish.