Taste: The 2018 vintage is noted for its deep ruby color and vibrant nose of ripe cherries, blackberries, and plums. It presents as full-bodied and rich on the palate, with well-rounded tannins and a balance between fruit-forward flavors and subtle earthy undertones. Notes of lightly smoked tobacco, spice, and vanilla emerge from the time spent in oak, enhancing the wine’s complexity. The finish is long and elegant, with lingering peppery and mineral nuances typical of the Chianti Rufina terroir.

Pairing: To match its rich tannins and long, peppery finish, start with Bistecca alla Fiorentina, a traditional Tuscan T-bone steak grilled over charcoal. The meat's smoky and juicy flavors will echo the subtle tobacco notes in the wine, while the steak's boldness complements the Chianti's full-bodied character. Another classic regional pairing is Pappardelle al Cinghiale, a hearty pasta dish with wild boar ragù. The earthy, gamey meat brings out the wine’s deeper, more savory undertones, while the acidity of the Sangiovese cuts through the richness of the sauce.

For another Tuscan-inspired dish, try Ribollita, a traditional Tuscan bread soup made with cannellini beans, kale, and stale bread. This earthy and hearty dish contrasts beautifully with the wine’s fruit-forward elements, providing a rustic, comforting pairing.

Beyond regional specialties, the wine’s bold flavors pair well with grilled or roasted meats. A rack of lamb seasoned with rosemary and garlic would enhance the wine’s peppery finish, while a roast pork loin with fennel and herbs would harmonize with the spice and vanilla notes from the oak aging. Both dishes also offer a rich texture that complements the smooth tannins of the Chianti Rufina Riserva.

For pasta lovers, consider Lasagna Bolognese layered with slow-cooked meat ragù, béchamel, and Parmigiano-Reggiano. The rich, meaty sauce will amplify the wine’s complex layers of fruit and earthiness, while the creamy béchamel smooths out the tannins.

Finally, a classic cheese pairing would be Pecorino Toscano or aged Parmigiano- Reggiano. The saltiness and firm texture of these cheeses bring out the wine’s complexity, particularly the fruity and spicy elements while enhancing the long, elegant finish.

Cold Pork Roast With Fennel and Green Bean Salad
By David Tanis

About. Fattoria di Basciano is a family-run estate in the historic Chianti Rufina DOCG, one of Tuscany's most distinctive wine regions. The Masi family has owned the estate since the early 1900s, representing a blend of tradition and modernity. Up in the hills of the Rufina subzone, which lies northeast of Florence, the estate overlooks the scenic Argomenna Valley and the Sieve River, lending it a geographical advantage for producing high-quality wines.

The Masi family has been at the helm of Fattoria di Basciano for over a century, with successive generations refining their craft. The estate’s name has become synonymous with the Chianti Rufina DOCG, and in recent years, the family has invested heavily in upgrading their vineyards and winemaking facilities. The last 15 years have seen a concerted focus on research and experimentation in the vineyards. This investment has resulted in new vineyard plantings and the construction of a state-of-the-art winery designed to improve the quality of their already well-regarded wines.

Fattoria di Basciano's vineyards are 300 to 500 meters (1,000-1,600 feet) above sea level, which is notably higher than the Chianti Classico region. This altitude plays a crucial role in the wines’ character. The diurnal temperature variation—warmer days and cooler nights—helps the grapes retain acidity and build complexity, ensuring well- structured wines with excellent aging potential.

The soils in Chianti Rufina, particularly around Fattoria di Basciano, mix limestone and clay. These soil types provide excellent drainage while retaining sufficient moisture during the hot Tuscan summers. The presence of clay also adds richness and body to the wines. The combination of altitude, soil, and climate—where cool evening breezes from the nearby Apennine Mountains moderate daytime heat—creates the ideal conditions for producing balanced wines with good tannic structure and refreshing acidity.

Chianti Rufina, though the smallest of the seven subzones within the Chianti DOCG, is often considered the most prestigious after Chianti Classico. Its wines, predominantly made from Sangiovese, are recognized for their elegance, finesse, and ageability. The DOCG regulations for Chianti Rufina stipulate that the wine must contain at least 70% Sangiovese, with the remaining 30% typically composed of other traditional local varieties such as Canaiolo and Colorino, or international varieties like Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Compared to Chianti Classico, Rufina wines are often described as more restrained, less powerful, and more aromatic and mineral-driven. Due to its distance from the Mediterranean coast, the region's cooler, more continental climate further distinguishes its wines from those of its warmer Chianti counterparts.

Fattoria di Basciano’s winemaking philosophy emphasizes both tradition and innovation. The estate continues to honor the traditional methods of Chianti Rufina while also embracing modern techniques to enhance the quality and expression of their wines. They utilize sustainable farming practices, ensuring that the integrity of their vineyards and the surrounding ecosystem is maintained for future generations. The Masi family’s goal is to produce wines that express the unique terroir of Rufina, with a focus on balance, structure, and longevity.

Wine Notes: Made from the estate’s oldest vines, this wine spends additional time in oak, resulting in a more concentrated and structured wine. For example, in their flagship Chianti Rufina Riserva, the wine is aged in oak for an extended period to soften the tannins and allow the flavors to develop complexity. The result is a full-bodied yet refined wine with layers of fruit, spice, and a characteristic minerality that speaks to the limestone-rich soils. As a Riserva, the 2018 Chianti Rufina is designed for aging. Its robust structure and balanced acidity make it a wine that can improve over 8-12 years, developing more complexity and smoothness with time. This vintage is 93% Sangiovese, 7% Colorino, and undergoes about 30 months of aging.