2021 Frescobaldi - Chianti Rufina Riserva Nipozzano (750ml)

The Frescobaldi family has been growing grapes in Tuscany for roughly seven hundred years, beginning at Tenuta Castiglioni and expanding over the centuries into a collection of estates across the region. Castello Nipozzano, a few kilometers northeast of Florence, anchors the family's presence in Chianti Rufina, a small, rugged, high-elevation zone sometimes called a mountain Chianti for its cooler growing conditions.

Nipozzano Riserva is built mainly from Sangiovese, with a small share of other approved varieties rounding out the blend, sourced from vineyards surrounding the historic Castello Nipozzano. The wine undergoes an extended aging process typical of Riserva-level Chianti Rufina, spending time in oak before further bottle maturation, a regimen meant to soften the tannins of this high-altitude fruit while preserving its natural freshness.

The 2021 pours a clear ruby red and opens with a fruity, floral nose of blackcurrant, blueberry, and raspberry, followed by violet and wild rose, then black pepper, clove, and star anise. The palate is dense and silky, with balanced acidity carrying the wine to a long, persistent finish. Serve it with a charcuterie board or roasted pork.