I Veroni Chianti Rufina

From a family-owned business, this Chianti is one of the best selling wines in Florence, Italy. It starts off with a bright ruby red color and a delicate fragrance. Flavors of blackberries, and dried plum are layered with spice and leather. The wine has well-balanced acidity and a clean and long-lasting finish. It is intense and fruit-forward, ready for drinking immediately, but over time it gains an added complexity. Serve with eggplant parmesan or chicken cacciatore.

Ruby-red with a pale rim. Initially reticent aromas of red plum and underbrush. Sweeter and richer in the mouth, with good depth to the red cherry, plum, underbrush and mineral flavors. Finishes a little simple and austere, with a lingering plum note and chalky tannins. Readers should note that my bottle improved markedly with air, becoming considerably fruitier in the glass.

A sensational nose dominated by bright cherry and raspberry, quickly followed by a smoky hint of pepper, earth and gentle spiciness. The body is denser than the fresh aromatics on the nose and presents a good deal of acidity along with dark fruit and smoke. All around, a very well-balanced and elegant selection.

East of Florence you’ll find the zone Chianti Rufina, or what is often referred to as “Chianti in montagna,” or mountain Chianti. This micro-climate unique to the DOCG of Chianti has the highest terrain in the area allowing for maximum ripeness, while cooler evening temperatures preserve the freshness of the grapes grown there. The 2008 vintage of I Veroni shows a nose of ripe strawberry and aniseed. The zesty flavors of black cherry and strawberry found within are complemented by a dash of black pepper, woodsy notes and snappy acidity. Bring on the red sauce.