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Chianti Rufina Riserva. In a Minute.
Learn about Chianti Rufina in this one-minute, flash tasting of Colognole Chianti Rufina Riserva 2015 “Riserva del Don.”
Inspired by the USA Cartoon Network’s series, “In a Minute,” we found a way to give a lot of information in a tiny amount of time! Our goal is inspire you to learn more on your own and explore a new part of Chianti.
Find a Chianti Rufina Riserva.
Colognole is not currently available online, however, we recommend you try these Rufina Riserva options instead from Wine.com. Or ask your local store!
Selvapiana – $36.99 (2015)
Frescobaldi – $21.99 (2014)
Fattoria di Basciano – $17.99 (2017)
Video Transcript
Colognole Chianti Rùfina Riserva 2015.
For five generations the Conti Spalletti family has producing wine from Sangiovese and other local, traditional grapes. They relocated to their country house during the war, and never left. Who would?
They’re passionate about the terroir in their little corner of Chianti and the uniquely elegant character of Rùfina wines, which have the potential to age for year thanks to high altitude and spectacular soil.
The Sangiovese grapes for this wine grow at altitudes ranging from 300-520 meters, up to 1,700 feet above sea level.
Limestone soils promote very sturdy acidity in the grapes, which acts as a backbone and a natural preservative.
After crushing, the grapes are maceration the skins for nearly 20 days. That means a lot of extract: color and some serious presence on the palate.
Part of the wine ages in large Slavonian and French oak barrels for two years. The other half ages in smaller, French barriques. No New American oak here, so don’t expect uber sweet woody spices here.
Instead, the micro-oxidation in wood and another year of aging in the bottle helps to soften the tannins and acidity just enough to create a luscious balance that will stay fresh and evolve for years.
Look: Intense, deep, ruby red color. Quite compact for Sangiovese which can tend to be more transparent.
Smell: There is still brightness to the fruit, but that fruit is dark. Brambly blackberry, dried cranberry. It’s also got some tingly balsamic notes of Mediterranean herbs like rosemary, sage, and mint – classic chianti notes – but very cool and piquant like that mountain breeze where the grapes grow.
Taste: This wine is evolving. The acidity and tannins are very present but on their way to velvety. Perfect with food. The finish is quite long and reminiscent of the fruit and herbs on the nose.
Discuss: This is a 2015. I could have waited another decade to drink it, but I don’t have that kind of patience or that kind of storage space. It’s definitely drinkable now, and even better with a juicy steak, maybe some roasted vegetables with rosemary to really bring to mind those beautiful, balsamic Chianti notes. A big slice of Finocchiona salami will do the trick. Cheers!
