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Chianti Rùfina: regional profile plus top wines worth seeking out

Sangiovese vines love the fresh air and bright conditions in this hilly country to the north of the headline-grabbing Classico zone. While they may be lesser-known, Chianti Rùfina wines offer quality, character and superb value, as well as great consistency.

When asked to name my best-value premium, estate-grown Tuscan reds, my choices are Rosso di Montalcino DOC and Chianti Rùfina DOCG. Both are based on Tuscany’s signature Sangiovese grape. However, whereas Rosso di Montalcino is often made from Sangiovese offcuts deemed not up to the standard required for Brunello di Montalcino, Chianti Rùfina is made only from the prime cuts, making it stylistically more consistent.

Chianti Rùfina is the smallest of the seven denominations within the wider, sprawling Chianti DOCG. Only 750ha of vineyards are registered to produce Chianti Rùfina, although there is officially room for 300ha more. Of its 20-plus producers, the largest by far is Marchesi Frescobaldi’s Castello Nipozzano.


Scroll down to see tasting notes and scores for eight top Chianti Rùfina wines


This article contains:

  • Chianti Rùfina at a glance
  • The region’s climate and geography
  • Single-site Sangiovese
  • Vintages to seek out
  • Eight producers to know

See Monty Waldin’s top Chianti Rùfina wines:


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