In 2006, I was fortunate enough to get a tour of the vineyards of Marchesi de Frescobaldi. My tour was of Frescobaldi's estate at Nipozzano. The vineyard is located in the Chianti Rufina region. The Chianti Rufina does have a Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita ("DOCG") designation. Generally, the DOCG requires that a wine be produced from grapes cultivated in a strictly defined area. The DOCG also imposes a series of additional restrictions or requirements, designed to protect the integrity and traditions associated with the wine.
The Nipozzano estate is centered around the Castello di Nipozzano, which was built in the year 1000. Frescobaldi plants Sangiovese grapes at this vineyard, as well as Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot grapes.
The namesake of this vineyard is the Nipozzano Riserva. A "Riserva" wine is one that is aged for 2 years longer than a wine of the same style would typically be aged. The Nipozzano Riserva is a Rufina Chianti, consisting of 100% Sangiovese grapes. It is an excellent example of a Chianti. The wine pours a a nice darkish red. The bouquet gives aromas of cherries, raspberries and plums. Even after four years, the aromas are still there. When drinking the wine, it is a little dry, but many of the same flavors -- cherries and plums -- are present in the taste of the wine.
The Nipozanno is available around here. I've found it at liquor and wine stores in Maryland. The wine, which has an ABV of 13.5%, is about $26.00 a bottle.
ENJOY!
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