2017 Fattoria di Basciano Chianti Rufina Riserva Tuscany 750 ml

If you care about drinking the best Tuscan red wines, you know Chianti Classico.

If you care about drinking the best Tuscan red wines AND getting fantastic values, then you need to know about Chianti Rufina.

Undoubtedly the most important Chianti subzone outside the Classico DOCG, Chianti Rufina occupies a small, mountainous area that’s home to around two dozen producers—and sits at the highest elevations in the region, which infuse its Sangiovese with superb lift and tension.

“When asked to name my best-value premium, estate-grown Tuscan reds, my choices are Rosso di Montalcino DOC and Chianti Rufina DOCG,” said Decanter, adding that, “Chianti Rufina is made only from the prime cuts.”

We’ve got an in with one of Rufina greatest estates, Fattoria di Basciano, and they gave us an amazing deal on one of the jewels of their collection: the 2017 Chianti Riserva. 

Released after 30 months in the cellar, about half of which was spent in French oak barrels, it’s aged as long as a Chianti Classico Gran Selezione, and it’s drinking WAY above its pay grade, with big, elegant tannins and mineral undertones that support the wine’s rich, generous mouthfeel.

Steep vineyards are hundreds of feet higher than in Chianti Classico, and the distance from the coast creates a continental climate that amplifies diurnal temperature variation. That means vineyards like Fattoria di Basciano’s allow Sangiovese to ripen slowly, developing thick skins and juicy acidity. 

Wine Advocate has remarked that “the quality of Sangiovese from Chianti Rufina is always a little bit brighter and sharper compared to other parts of Tuscany.” 

With age, this 2017 has lost none of its vividness while only gaining in bold, dark muscularity.