Nipozzano Vecchie Viti, Frescobaldi 2021 75cl

Nipozzano Vecchie Viti comes from the oldest vines at Castello Nipozzano, in the hills east of Florence, where the Frescobaldi family have made wine for over 700 years. The "vecchie viti" — old vines — are selected massal-selection plants that give lower yields and more concentrated fruit.

This is Chianti Rufina Riserva territory, a cooler, higher corner of Chianti that gives wines more freshness and ageing potential than the valley floor. The 2021 is mostly Sangiovese with a splash of complementary varieties, aged around two years in oak, and it shows the classic Rufina balance of red fruit and savoury structure.

Expect violets and red cherry on the nose, with a herbal, earthy undertone and a touch of sweet spice from the oak. The palate is medium-bodied and fresh, with bright acidity, fine-grained tannins and a savoury, almost tobacco-tinged finish. It is a wine built for the table rather than the trophy cabinet.

At around £28 this is smart, food-friendly Tuscan red from a historic name, offering genuine Riserva complexity without the Brunello price. Drink it over the next five to eight years; it has the structure to develop further.

How to Serve

Serve at 16 to 18°C in a standard red wine glass. A 30-minute decant helps, though it's approachable straight from the bottle.

Where to Drink It

The River Cafe for a Tuscan classic. Brat in Shoreditch alongside something from the grill. Planque in Haggerston for a relaxed, wine-led evening.

Food Pairings

Made for a bowl of pappardelle with wild boar ragù, or a simple grilled bistecca. Roast pork with rosemary works well too.