Just east of Firenze (Florence) lies Chianti Rufina, one of the 7 subzones of Chianti, not including Chianti Classico, and Chianti itself. Situated between Pontassieve and Rufina sits the Villa di Vetrice,a classic Tuscan estate, adorned with olive groves, rows of alien cypresses, vineyards, and a 13th century tower. Beneath the tower are estate houses. The Villa itself is also from the 14th century, and is the ver;y hearth of this expansive operation. The Villa di Vetrice estate is 560 hectares, of which 160 are planted to grapevines. These are hilltop vineyards, cooler and thinner air. The marl and lime soils are quite fertile in these hills, and the vines can be vigorous and demanding. With eastern exposures, and excellent maritime ventilation, this is an ideal spot for the production of classical Tuscan varieties. Additionally, there are groves containing over 12,000 olive trees, further adding texture to this mosaic landscape.

For 5 generations, the Grati family has been olive and grape growers. They have this land in their blood, and have even shaped it to their needs on occasion, most notably in the creation of two lakes; one at Vetrice, and the second at their second estate, the  Villa di Galiga.

Chianti Rufina Riserva

This is typically 90% Sangiovese, 7% Canaiolo, and 3% Colorino. After 2 years of oak aging, the wine is aged in bottle for an additional 3 months prior to release. This full-bodied wine embodies old-school Chianti; bold, rustic, juicy, earthy, with soft tannins, spicy black fruit, and a bit meaty in a bloody way. Drink with well-aged hard cheeses, grilled lamb chops, or fire roasted red meat.