Wine review: 2010 Fattoria Selvapiana Chianti Rufina

The Chianti region is large, and while the wines from the Classico region are the best known, for price and quality, look to the lesser-known Chianti Rufina, a small area in the northeastern corner of Chianti proper. Selvapiana is one of the best estates in Rufina, turning out first-rate Sangiovese-based reds. I’ve been buying its Chianti for years, keeping it on hand for pasta nights and grilled skirt steak or chops. A deep ruby in color, the 2010 Selvapiana tastes of bright cherries and plums, but a touch of earth gives it some weight. A great everyday Chianti.

Region: Chianti Rufina

Price: $15 to $20

Style: Easy drinking and earthy

What it goes with: Pasta dishes, grilled meats, roast chicken

Where to find it: BestWinesOnline, (888) 817-8880, Hi-Time Wine Cellars in Costa Mesa, (949) 650-8463, Manhattan Fine Wines in Manhattan Beach, (310) 374-3454, the Wine Country in Signal Hill, (562) 597-8303, Wine Exchange in Orange, (714) 974-1454, and The Wine House in West Los Angeles, (310) 479-3731.

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