Degustazioni

One of the distinctive characteristics of the Fattoria di Selvapiana is that it has preserved a trace of its history in the form of vintages going back many years. There are very few cases in Italy (and more specifically in Tuscany) where it is possible to undertake genuine vertical tastings. On this estate, the longevity of Chianti Rufina wines - a distinctive characteristic of the area - permits this pleasurable and fascinating journey in time. Below are the comments of two eminent journalists in the field, Leonardo Romanelli and Michele Franzan. Enjoy reading about it!

SELVAPIANA 1997

A full, rich, ruby red colour with a tinge of crimson. Plenty of fruit on the nose, sweet and mature with subtle spicy notes of vanilla and cinnamon. Decisive and full on the palate, with polished, well integrated tannins. Long, persistent and growing finish. Distinct but balanced acidity.

SELVAPIANA 1993

A good transparent, ruby red colour with a slight garnet hue. Developing aromas, slight oxidisation and with a touch of the ethereal. Mature cherry and prune, a little jammy and with a hint of coffee. Slips firmly and fluidly into the mouth and has pronounced acidity. The tannins are perceptible but not excessive, and it does not have powerful body. A stimulating, slightly bitter, finish.

SELVAPIANA 1985

A garnet colour but still has a touch of ruby red. Initially rather reserved and closed up, the aromas are tertiary, first mushroom and tobacco and then tarry with a touch of liquorice and even meaty aromas. Balsamic and minty notes. Substantial, rounded and full-bodied on the palate. Chewy tannins form a body where alcohol predominates but the wine is still balanced. Plenty of taste and the fruity aromas re-emerge. A pleasant and faintly bitter finish.

SELVAPIANA 1983

Has a distinct garnet colour, is limpid and unusually vivacious. Characteristic tertiary aromas including tobacco, liquorice, cherries in alcohol and even meat, all clearly brought out by the alcohol. Pleasant and almost sweet impact on the palate, with silky yet clearly perceptible tannins. Average consistency, with a good balance between acid and alcohol, and a slightly bitter finish.

SELVAPIANA 1981

Garnet colour with a tinge of orange, clear, unclouded and not very pronounced. Aromas are a little flat and based on ripe fruit, jam and cooked prunes only slightly set off by the alcohol. A little weak and flat on the palate, plenty of body but with rather unbalanced puckering tannins. Average finish with an excessively sharp bitterness.

SELVAPIANA 1979

Garnet colour with a clear orangey hue. Sweet oxidation aromas, very evolved, ethereal and soft. Fluid and pleasing in the mouth with a good balance. Tannins are almost absent and the alcohol provides structure. Growing sweetness with a good persistent finish.

SELVAPIANA 1978

Garnet, almost amber in tone, and very clear. Sweet, soft and pronounced aromas of dry fruit and jam and there is even a hint of resin. Soft and straightforward on the palate without pronounced tannins. Rounded and with a sweet, persistent, seductive finish.

SELVAPIANA 1977

Flat garnet colour, clear, unclouded and luminous. Well-developed tertiary alcoholic aromas that recall brandy, cherry liquor and a touch of fur. Straightforward, soft and rounded on the palate. Elegant with a good alcohol-acid balance and without any rough tannins. A long, soft, persistent, finish.

SELVAPIANA 1971

Clear, dark amber colour, almost the colour of aged sherry. Fine, thin, and non-intense aromas, but where the fruit, a hint of spice, leather and tobacco are still gently and pleasingly perceptible. Soft and light in the mouth, where the acidity predominates over the alcohol. Sweet finish, albeit a little strident.

SELVAPIANA 1970

Still has a ruby red tinge on a garnet-coloured base. Tertiary, not particularly powerful aromas, tobacco mixed with oak, furry and animal aromas. Thin and soft in the mouth. The acidity is predominant, partly offset by the alcohol. Good, slightly sharp and persistent fruity taste.

SELVAPIANA 1968

Clear, unclouded and pleasing garnet colour. Minty, balsamic notes combine with grassy aromas, ripe fruit and a slight hint of spice. Average impact on the palate, slips round the mouth nicely and has a good degree of intensity. Slightly excessive sharp acidity spoils the finish.

SELVAPIANA 1966

Clear garnet colour. Fruity aromas of prune and small-berried fruits of the forest. Minty. Easy on the palate with prominent acidity in a balanced body with not unpleasant alcohol. Sweet, pleasing, persistent and varied finish.

SELVAPIANA 1964

Garnet colour with a slight ruby red hue. Aromas are a little flat and lack depth, and only the fruit is noticeable. An excess of acid in a body that has faded. Pronounced bitter finish.

SELVAPIANA 1958

An incredible ruby red colour with a distinct garnet hue. Aromas are indistinct and difficult to categorise. Minty notes, pungent acidity, fruit and tobacco. Full and enveloping on the palate, almost aggressive, juicy, tasty and powerful. Long pleasing finish.