The Castello Nipozzano estate is the historic heart of the Frescobaldi family's winemaking heritage, with a history spanning more than 1,000 years in the hills of Chianti Rufina, northeast of Florence. The Frescobaldi family has been producing wine in Tuscany for over 700 years and is regarded as one of Italy's most influential wine dynasties. Nipozzano's elevated vineyards, cooler climate and galestro-rich soils consistently produce wines of freshness, structure and longevity. Vecchie Viti ("Old Vines") is the estate's flagship Chianti Rufina Riserva, produced from the oldest vines on the property. Originally reserved as a private family collection to celebrate the birth of new generations of the Frescobaldi family, it is only made in outstanding vintages and represents one of the finest expressions of the Chianti Rufina appellation.

The 2020 Nipozzano Vecchie Viti is crafted predominantly from Sangiovese with traditional complementary Tuscan varieties. The grapes undergo spontaneous fermentation in concrete tanks, followed by extended maceration before ageing for 24 months in large oak barrels and further bottle maturation prior to release. The old vines contribute exceptional concentration and depth while maintaining the hallmark freshness of Chianti Rufina. The 2020 vintage is medium to full-bodied, combining vibrant acidity, silky tannins and pronounced mineral character with excellent ageing potential.

" The wine is showing attractive aromas of red and dark berries, walnuts, chocolate orange and tree bark. On the palate, it is medium- to full-bodied, with super-polished tannins and vivid fruit, offering impressive depth and complexity. He highlighted its spicy, velvety finish and recommended it for both immediate enjoyment and further cellaring." -- James Suckling

" the 2020 offers a clear step up in concentration and complexity over the estate's standard Riserva. She highlighted flavours of black cherry, dried blackberry, sweet spice, mild tobacco and blue iris, supported by bright acidity and fine-grained tannins. She praised its balance and freshness, noting that the wine remains elegant despite its depth and intensity. " -- Monica Larner