Chianti Rufina DOCG Riserva Vigna Montesodi Castello Nipozzano 2022 Frescobaldi

What kind of wine it is

Chianti Rufina Riserva Vigna Montesodi by Frescobaldi is a red wine made exclusively from Sangiovese grapes from the Chianti Rufina area. It stands out for its structured and complex style, with distinct elegance. The winemaking takes place in stainless steel at controlled temperature, followed by a prolonged maceration on the skins. The wine matures in Austrian and French oak barrels for eighteen months, then rests in the bottle. This process ensures balanced freshness and a harmonious profile, ideal for those seeking depth and finesse in Tuscan wines.

Where it comes from

The Vigna Montesodi vineyard is located in Pelago, near Florence, in the heart of the Chianti Rufina denomination. At an altitude of 300 to 400 meters on soils of galestro and alberese, the site benefits from significant temperature differences between day and night and a mild climate influenced by the nearby Apennines. These conditions foster slow ripening and pronounced aromatic expression. The area is renowned for producing wines with structure and great aging potential, highlighting the character of Sangiovese.

How it is produced

The Sangiovese grapes are hand-harvested at the beginning of October to preserve the integrity of the bunches. After destemming, fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks at controlled temperature for about ten days, followed by maceration lasting roughly thirty days. Malolactic fermentation is carried out in steel. Aging continues in Austrian and French oak barrels for eighteen months, and the wine then rests six months in bottle before release.

Tasting notes

Visually, it exhibits a deep ruby red color with garnet highlights. The aromatic profile is broad, with notes of violet and wild blackberry, enriched by toasty hints of Arabica coffee and spicy nuances of nutmeg, clove, black pepper, and liquorice. On the palate, it is fresh, with a dense yet fine tannic structure and well-supported full body. The finish is long and persistent, with fruit notes and a savory touch that enhances the balance of the wine.

Food pairings

This Chianti Rufina Riserva pairs perfectly with red meats, especially Florentine steak, bringing out the succulence and aromas of grilled meat. It is also well-suited for roasted cinta senese, braised dishes, and stewed game, thanks to its tannic structure and freshness. Regional pairings include pappardelle with wild boar ragout and aged Tuscan cheeses such as pecorino. In these combinations, the wine offers a perfect balance between savory and ripe fruit notes.

When to serve it

It is recommended to serve at 18-20°C in large glasses to encourage oxygenation and aromatic expression. The wine can be enjoyed after a few years and develops even more complexity after 5-7 years of bottle aging. Ideal for special dinners or celebrations, it also has excellent potential for long-term cellaring, with its structure and depth evolving for over a decade.