The Masi family have owned their estate, Fattoria di Basciano, since the beginning of 1900. Located in the heart of the Chianti Rufina area, they have spent three generations honing their craft with the ultimate goal of producing exceptional wines at an equally exceptional price point.
This Chianti Riserva is only produced in selected years, reserving the vinification and bottling for particularly high quality harvests. Renzo Masi is a family-run company that has been making wine for three generations. The leading philosophy which has distinguished their work from the beginning until now has been the same: producing wines with an excellent quality/price relationship. To obtain this year after year, they have searched for and selected the producers who can guarantee a constant, high quality level, and they have created a long-term relationship of cooperation, including our consultation on how to manage the vineyard, with the aim of reaching the highest quality. Chianti Rufina is probably the most well-known Chianti area after Classico, however it’s slightly confusing that Rufina has nothing to do with Ruffino, another acclaimed wine producer. Slightly more mountainous, and less gently hilly than the Classico zone, the Rufina microclimate is cooler at night which allows the grapes ripen more slowly. A bit more medium-bodied, this is a refined Chianti Riserva that is certain to impress all Italian wine lovers!
Red fruit and dark berries on the palate accompany a pleasant earthiness and soft tannins. Spending part of its 30 months aging in oak also provides excellent structure. We love this wine right away, but it really shines with 30-45 minutes of air.
”Tar and roses are on the nose before graphite, cherries, fennel and sage emerge. The palate offers more mature fruit against a chocolaty backdrop, but substantial acidity ensures things don’t get too velvety.”
– Jim Lufty, Fine Wine Source