Marchesi de' Frescobaldi Nipozzano Riserva

From Frescobaldi’s gorgeous Nipozzano estate, this Riserva Sangiovese (with small percentages of Malvasia Nera, Cabernet and Merlot for extra density and intensity) opens with impressive generosity and personality. It offers lingering flavors of cherry, chocolate and dark spice.

A burly Rufina, offering dried dark fruits and chewy tannins, with an aftertaste of dark chocolate and mineral. Full and satisfying, with fresh acidity on the back palate. A go-to Chianti. Drink now.

Deep violet-ruby. Fresh, fruity aromas of red cherry, blueberry and blackberry, with hints of underbrush and minerals; much less spicy, tarry and dark than some other recent vintages of this wine. Then bright and fresh in the mouth, with red cherry, plum and mineral flavors. Finishes smoothly tannic, polite and persistent. One of the better young Nipozzano vintages I recall: this really does remind you of the higher-altitude, cooler Rufina zone.

Castello di Nipozzano covers more than 1,500 acres of land in the heart of the Chianti Rufina region, ranging in altitude from 820 to 1,312 feet. Its 593 acres of vines surround a fortress that was built in the 11th century. The 2007, a blend of 90 percent Sangiovese, with the remaining a mix of Malvasia, Colorino, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, maintains a high level of quality considering the large volume made.

The 2007 Chianti Rufina Riserva shows the open, opulent personality that makes this vintage so alluring. Ripe, silky tannins frame a core of red fruits, flowers and spices, all of which come together with unusual grace. Though medium in body, there is wonderful generosity to the fruit, not to mention fabulous overall balance. Anticipated maturity: 2010–2015.

The Frescobaldi family has made wine in Tuscany since 1308. Rufina is the smallest of the sub-areas of Chianti. The region is more mountainous than hilly; the grapes ripen more slowly due to the day-night temperature differential, which can produce rich wines. The Nipozzano has brilliant, purple-edged ruby red color. There are aromas of plum, olives, thyme, rosemary, blueberry, cranberry, dark cherry and red meat. The flavor is rich and round with crisp fruit, hints of cocoa and clove. The tannins are smooth. The finish is long and satisfying. This elegant and delicious wine is a wonderful Chianti. Enjoy with grilled, well-aged steaks, Boeuf Bourguignon, Agnello con olive all’Abruzzese or aged cheese.