Selvapiana
Selvapiana is one of the most prominent wineries in the Chianti Rufina area. It is the smallest appellation in Chianti (approximately 600 hectares), but also one of the more specific due to its northernmost location. The cool winds that blow through the Sieve valley give the wines a finesse and expression that few Chianti Classico wines can match. Slevapiana is considered to be the most well-known and respected winery producing this specific version of Chianti Rufina.
Selvapiana is also one of the two wineries producing wine from the Pomino DOC area, an area described by Cosimo III de Medici in 1716 as one of the best for producing this noble wine. This was the first decree to describe the locations, the production methods and the precise definition of the varieties from which Pomino, Chianti Classico, Chianti Rufina, Carmignano and Valdarno Superiore could be produced, and was also the basis for the first DOC wines in Italy. An extract of the decree describing the Pomino lege is also featured on the labels of this wine.
Federico Giuntini Masseti manages the property, located north of the village of Pontassieve, which has been converted to organic processing since 2003. The farm extends over 250 hectares of which 60 are planted with vines (95 % sangiovese), 36 with olives and the rest is woodland. Most of the vineyards are west-facing, with the exception of their Bucerchiale vineyard, which produces the same namesake wine that is their flagship, which is south-west-facing.
Selvapiana's location has been historically interesting because its proximity to the River Sieve makes the air cooler and cleaner. This advantage was exploited by the Florentine nobility, who retreated there to escape the city's hot summer days. The property, which was built as a medieval castle with two watchtowers, was first converted into a semi-private residence by the Bishop of Florence, from whom the wealthy merchants took over ownership. In 1827 the property passed into the ownership of the Ginutini family, a family of bankers from Florence.
