Fattoria Selvapiana

Fattoria Selvapiana is the benchmark producer in Rufina, Chianti's smallest and most refined subzone. Since 1827, the Giuntini family has controlled this 250-hectare estate on the cool slopes northeast of Florence. Here, the Sieve Valley's cool breeze creates wines of exceptional finesse and clarity—a Rufina signature that no other producer captures quite as consistently as Selvapiana does. Federico Giuntini Masseti now steers the winery, maintaining the estate's philosophy: pure expression of Sangiovese and terroir over fashion or over-extraction.

About Fattoria Selvapiana

The estate comprises 250 hectares, of which 60 are under vine—95% planted to Sangiovese. West-facing slopes dominate the vineyard plan, except for the prized Bucerchiale vineyard, which faces south-west and yields weightier, more powerful expressions. Rufina itself is only 600 hectares in total, making it the smallest of all Chianti's subzones, yet also one of the most special. The cool climate is fundamental to Selvapiana's approach: it slows ripening, concentrates acidity, and allows Sangiovese to develop the red-fruit clarity and mineral tension that define the estate's house style.

Federico inherited a property already owned by his family—his father worked as the 'fattore' (estate manager) for decades—so the winemaking continuity runs deep. The vineyard selections are precise. The Vigneto Erchi, a six-hectare south-facing site purchased in 1998 and replanted in 1999, sits on Rufina's warmer western side and yields single-vineyard wines of serious power balanced by delicate finesse. This is not a producer that compromises quality for volume. Every bottling reflects the belief that fine wine comes from respect for the vineyard's natural rhythm, not intervention or ideology.

The estate also produces extra virgin olive oil from 31 hectares planted with Frantoio olives at elevations between 250 and 300 metres. Picked while still green and pressed with the same care applied to wine, the oil carries the herbaceous, spicy character typical of Rufina's cool microclimate—a side project that reveals how thoroughly the family understands their terroir.

Fattoria Selvapiana Wines in Our Collection

The entry point is the standard Chianti Rufina: elegant, approachable, and scoring 91 points with James Suckling (2023). It perfectly exemplifies the Selvapiana house style—fine and bright, without heaviness. For depth and structure, the 2022 Vigneto Bucerchiale Chianti Rufina Riserva (James Suckling 93, Wine Spectator 90) offers the vineyard's characteristic power: a richer, more concentrated rendition of Rufina's signature finesse.

If you want to venture beyond Chianti, the Pomino reds—a bold blend of Cabernet, Merlot, and Sangiovese from the adjoining Pomino appellation—score 92 points (2022 vintage, James Suckling 92) and show the estate's range without losing its grip on balance. Produced only from superior-quality fruit selected with rigour, each bottling is never rushed and aged to show properly in bottle before release.

Food Pairing

The standard Chianti Rufina suits everyday Italian dishes—pasta with tomato or light meat sauce, roast chicken, fresh cheeses. The Vigneto Erchi and Bucerchiale demand meatier fare: aged beef, wild boar, slow-cooked game birds, hard mountain cheeses. The Pomino reds partner well with richer, spiced meats and long braises. The Pomino Bianco works with seafood risotto, light pasta with shellfish, or creamy vegetable dishes. The acidity and mineral tension throughout the range cuts through richness and refreshes the palate.

What makes Rufina different from other Chianti zones?

Rufina is the smallest subzone at only 600 hectares and the coolest. The Sieve Valley breeze creates wines with exceptional finesse, definition, and clarity that few others in Chianti Classico match.

Why choose Selvapiana over other Rufina producers?

Selvapiana is the benchmark producer in Rufina, family-owned since 1827. Federico Giuntini Masseti maintains a philosophy of precise vineyard selection and pure terroir expression with zero compromise on quality.

What is the difference between the Chianti Rufina and Vigneto Bucerchiale?

The standard Chianti Rufina is fine and elegant. The Vigneto Bucerchiale is weightier and more powerful, from a south-west-facing vineyard, yet still displays the vibrancy and finesse characteristic of Selvapiana.

Who makes Fattoria Selvapiana wines?

The Giuntini family has owned Fattoria Selvapiana since 1827. Federico Giuntini Masseti now leads the 250-hectare estate northeast of Florence in Rufina, Chianti's smallest subzone.

What style of wine does Fattoria Selvapiana make?

Selvapiana specializes in Sangiovese-based Chianti Rufina: elegant, mineral-driven reds marked by red-fruit clarity and acidity. The 2024 Chianti Rufina scored 92 points. They also produce structured Pomino blends and white Pomino Bianco.

How much does Fattoria Selvapiana wine cost?

Prices range from £16.75 to £51.85. Entry-level Chianti Rufina starts around £18.50; Riservas and single-vineyard selections reach £33–£52. Pomino whites sit near £21.