Learn about a tannic Chianti and why it’s called a “Rufina”…

I Veroni Chianti Rùfina Riserva 2011

My Review:

So, what is a “Rufina”?

I was confused at first thinking Rufina was a term like “reserva”… something that indicated how the wine was made.  Nope!  Turns out Rufina isn’t really a distinct kind of Chianti.  Instead, it’s regular Chianti (Sangiovese) wine that was made in a very specific part of the Chianti region.  Chianti wines are made all over Tuscany, but certain areas are more renowned because of their history or the quality of wine they yield.  Chianti Rufina is one of the most highly rated areas along with Chianti Classico and Brunello di Montalcino.

Chianti Rufina is a bit more mountainous than Chianti Classico and, thus, has cooler overnight temperatures causing the grapes to ripen more slowly.  This generally produces wines which have a little less body than those from the Classico region, but with more acidity and finesse.

So, if someone Rufinas your wine… don’t worry about it!  Just enjoy.  🙂

The map below (from WineFolly) shows the various wine regions within Tuscany.