Selvapiana, Chianti Rufina, Italy 2020

91 points Jeb Dunnuck

Selvapiana was built as a medieval watch-tower overlooking the Sieve Valley, most likely as part of a system of towers built to protect Florence. During the Renaissance, the building was enlarged as summer residence for several noble Florentine families and was also the summer residence for the Bishops of Florence for a time. In 1827, it was acquired by Michele Giuntini, a very successful Florentine banker. Since 1957 it has been run by the fifth generation Giuntini family member, Francesco, who has worked with great energy and intelligence to restore the prestige of the Chianti Rufina appellation and to build a good reputation for the Selvapiana estate wines. 

Today, the estate is managed by the brother and sister team, Federico and Silvia Giuntini, who were formally adopted by Francesco so that they could continue the work and legacy of the estate as family members. They work closely with Franco Bernabei, who has been the consulting oenologist at Selvapiana since 1978. 

Selvapiana’s reputation is based on producing red wines of considerable longevity and expression of terroir. The winery’s production focuses on vintage Chianti Rufina, featuring two particularly fine crus: the Chianti Rufina Riserva Bucerchiale, and Fornace, a blend of the estate’s Sangiovese and international varietals.