Review: Nipozzano Chianti Rufina Riserva

Chianti, as a type of wine, can be a little bit confusing to the average wine consumer. Why? Because there are a few different designations, each of which means something slightly different. You have Chianti, Chianti Classico, Chianti Rufina, Chianti Montalbano, Chianti Colli Fiorentini and the list goes on.

All of these different designations are defined by both the region of Tuscany where the grapes are grown as well as the types of grapes used and other stylistic guidelines. Additionally, there are designations such as “Riserva” or “Gran Selezione” that you might come across, which are also indicative of how the wine was made. The Chianti I’m exploring today is a Chianti Rufina Riserva.

Chianti Rufina Riserva

Made from a blend of Sangiovese, Canaiolo and other local grapes, Chianti Rufina Riserva is known for its bold flavors of dark fruit, leather and spices. The “Riserva” label means it’s been aged for a minimum of two years, which adds depth and complexity to the wine.

So, what sets Chianti Rufina Riserva apart from other Chianti? For starters, the Rufina region is known for its cooler climate and higher altitude, which results in wines with brighter acidity and more pronounced tannins. This makes Chianti Rufina Riserva a great pairing for rich, fatty foods like braised meats or creamy sauces. The wine’s structure can also make it a great candidate for aging. In terms of quality, Chianti Rufina Riserva is definitely worth exploring!

Frescobaldi Nipozzano

The specific wine I’m tasting today comes from the Castello Nipozzano estate in the heart of the Chianti Rufina region. The vineyards here are owned by the Frescobaldi family, which like many wine producing families in Europe, has a looooong history.

Frescobaldi’s history dates back to the 14th century, when the family was a prominent banking and trading dynasty in Florence. Over the centuries, they acquired vast estates and vineyards throughout Tuscany. Today, Frescobaldi is still family-owned and operated, with the 30th generation of the family at the helm.

The Nipozzano Chianti Rufina Riserva is one of many wines from their portfolio.

Tasting Notes

The nose is nice and spicy with aromas like nutmeg, black pepper, cherry and blackberry. The palate brings bright cherry, raspberry, blackberry, black tea and spice flavors with a really nice, silky mouthfeel. The finish is relatively long, with berry flavors and a slight, tannic bitterness. This is a very food-friendly and delicious wine.

Wine: Frescobaldi Nipozzano Chianti Rufina Riserva
Varieties:  90% Sangiovese, 5% Canaiolo, 5% Merlot
Vintage: 2020
Alcohol: 13.5%
Rating: 88
Average price: $20.00
Disclosure: This wine was received as a media sample.