Regional info.

Basciano is a relatively unsung star of our Italian portfolio, quietly making outstanding wines over the last decade.

The Fattoria di Basciano was acquired by the Masi family in 1932. This stunningly beautiful 60ha estate is located in the rolling hills to the north of the river Sieve overlooking the town of Rufina. The original 13th century guard tower has been converted into an agriturismo - surrounded by vineyards, olive-groves and woods of oak and cypress trees. A modern winery and barrel cellar, now completed, have been constructed from natural materials with a great respect for the local environment. The current incumbent, Dr Paolo Masi, tends 30ha of vineyards and produces red wines that are characterized by ripeness and purity of fruit balanced by wonderful freshness and polished tannins.

'Owner Renzo Masi turns out solid, well-made and relatively inexpensive Chiantis that age well at this little-known Chianti Rufina estate. His wines all show the tell-tale refinement, high acidity, relatively low alcohol, sour cherry fruit and slight underbrush-mushroom notes that define great Rufina wines, and they couldn't be any farther removed from alcoholic fruit bombs' - Stephen Tanzer

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