A very Chianti-ish Chianti

We don’t drink that much Chianti, but this one seemed well-priced for a well-thought of producer of Chianti Rufina. Another pleasing wine from our ‘affordable drinking’ selection.

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Chianti Rufina Riserva ‘Vigento Bucerchiale’ 2006, Fattoria Selvapiana

An intense nose of bitter cherry fruit. The alcohol level is perhaps a tad high, but its sweetness adds to the fruit and makes this smell quite attractive. There is a depth of character to this nose, plenty of fruit and a good, reasonably complex earthiness. This smells very much like an Italian wine; it reminds me of Fuligni’s Brunello, with is quite a compliment for a wine which is so much cheaper. The fruit on the palate is also very Italian, but its tannins are not as aggressive and its acidity not as spiky as they might be. Indeed, it seems a rather accessible and totally drinkable palate. There is fruit, earthiness and a refined tannic structure. Its complex earthiness and fruit persist on the finish. I like this quite a lot, it is clearly Chianti with a very pronounced Sangiovese character, but is nowhere near as rough or hard work as it might be. A quite pleasing example of an Italian wine that is really up for drinking with more than enough ease and pleasure.

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