2001 Selvapiana, Chianti Rùfina Riserva, Vigneto Bucerchiale (RT94) The last time I checked in on the 2001 Bucerchiale, nearly 4 years ago, it showed impressively well. At age 24, it continues to exemplify excellence in winemaking as it sits in the middle of its prime drinking window. Showing a medium translucent russet-tinged garnet tone, the bouquet is classic Sangiovese revealing terroir-driven notes of wild black cherry liqueur, dark brushy bramble berries, damp forest floor, Tuscan underbrush, dusty spices, a pinch of dried onion skin and crushed river gravel. The bouquet is magnificent and complex, albeit deeply masculine while the palate is silky smooth and seamless as the fruit, acid and tannins have melded together in perfect harmony. An illustrious showing for this classic Sangiovese. Drink now-2031 Tasted October 2025
Bucerchiale is Selvapiana’s flagship wine, a Riserva Chianti Rùfina crafted from the estate’s best vineyard: 12.5 hectares of vines in the Bucerchiale plot. This bottling was first crafted by a young winemaker at the time, Franco Bernabei, in his second vintage at Selvapiana in 1979. He created this impressive wine for long-aging and today it is recognized as a benchmark of the best of Rùfina’s Sangiovese. Bucerchiale is made in only the best vintages, typically seven or eight times per decade. This bottling is 100% Sangiovese from old vines planted in 1968 and 1992 and is normally the last of their plots to be harvested each year. Fermentation exclusively utilizes indigenous yeasts, extends for 25 days, and is followed by aging in barrique (new and used in varying amounts). This is a benchmark Sangiovese bottling that is still available at relatively affordable price (less than $50) and is a wine to lay down in your cellar!
