Rufina (ROO fee nah) is one of Chianti's seven sub-zones, found due East and a teeny bit North of Florence. It is nestled into the foothills of the Apennines that separate Tuscany from Emilio-Romagna, and that form the spine of Italy.
Be sure not to confuse the Chianti Rufina sub-zone with the large Tuscan winery of a similar name - Ruffino (roo FEE noh) - which is located in a different sub-zone altogether, Chianti Classico (thankfully, or we'd all get really confused).
Rufina is as well-known for its olive oil as its wine, both crops benefitting from the region's continental climate and limestone soils which make for long growing seasons, full flavor development and age-worthy wines!
The Winery
The Rufina region's most famous producer is likely the Marchesi de Frescobaldi, but Fattoria Selvapiana has been producing olive oil and wine for generations and Selvapiana owner Francesco Giuntini was an energetic and enthusiastic advocate for the region's quality. Francesco's grapes were so good that he advocated for a 100% Sangiovese wine long before the grape was sufficiently understood and developed in other areas.
Francesco had no children of his own, so upon the death of his long-time Estate Manager, Franco Masseti, in 1990, Francesco adopted Franco's son and daughter (Federico and Silvia) and they have run the winery since 1997. Now the winery is in transition to Federico's son.
For more information on the Rufina sub-zone, check out this great map from the region.
