Wining Hour Feature: I Veroni Chianti Rùfina

Chianti, in Tuscany, Italy, is one of the most famous wine regions in the world. Most people are familiar with the rolling hills of Tuscany and the wine that historically came in a fiasco, the classic straw baskets that encased the wine to protect the thin glass bottles during shipping and to help them stand upright. This month, my “Wining Hour” features two elegant wines from Cantina I Veroni in Chianti Rùfina. 

The Territory: Chianti Rùfina

The Chianti region spans across the Tuscan provinces of Arezzo, Florence, Pisa, Pistoia, Prato and Siena.  The Chianti Classico Consorzio has recently adopted 11 new sub zones or UGAs: Castellina, Castelnuovo Berardenga, Gaiole, Greve, Lamole, Montefioralle, Panzano, Radda, San Casciano, San Donato in Poggio and Vagliagli to further demarcate the territory. However, the seven main sub zones are Colli Fiorentini, Montespertoli, Classico, Colli Aretini Colli Senesi, Colline Pisane, Montalbano and Chianti Rùfina.  My featured wines are from the Chianti Rùfina subzone. 

Chianti Rùfina is a small, quiet mountainous region in the northeast of Chianti and is known for producing some of the finest Chianti wines. This area has a cooler climate and a high diurnal temperature range that helps to preserve the acidity and freshness of the grapes, but also leading to more full-bodied Chianti wines. Similar to Chianti Classico, the soils in this area are a mix of clay and limestone. This combination of climate, higher altitude and soil makes for wines with great flavor and acidity that are suitable for aging.

The primary grape variety used in Chianti Rufina (and Chianti in general) is Sangiovese, which is often blended with small amounts of other local varieties such as Canaiolo and Colorino. The wines produced in this area are known for their vibrant acidity, elegant structure, and complex aromas and flavors that can include notes of cherries, violets, and herbs.

Chianti Rufina has been recognized as a DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita) since 1984, which is the highest level of quality designation for Italian wines. However, the Chianti Rùfina sub-region was officially classified back in 1932. Regulations require a minimum of 70% Sangiovese, while the remaining 25% can be a combination of local and international grapes. Some of the most well-known producers of Chianti Rufina include Selvapiana, Fattoria di Basciano, and Frescobaldi. I Veroni is another producer delivering top quality Tuscan wines.

I Veroni Winery 

I Veroni is a winery located in the heart of the Chianti Rufina region, in the province of Florence, Tuscany, Italy. The name, I Veroni, is derived from the wide terraces surrounding the farm where tobacco leaf and grain from the Arno valley was dried. The winery is situated in the Pontassieve hills, east of Florence and produces a range of high-quality wines that reflect the unique terroir of the region.

The winery was established in 1952 by Giovanni Pierazzuoli, and today it is managed by his children, who have continued the family’s commitment to producing high-quality wines. In 1996 Lorenzo Mariani took over the management of the business. Along with Emilio Monechi, oenologist, and Luca Innocente, Marketing and Sales Director, they carry on the name of I Veroni.

The winery is known for its use of traditional winemaking techniques and its focus on producing wines that express the character and personality of the Chianti Rufina region. The vineyards, which cover 15 hectares and 20 hectares planted with olives, are located at an altitude of 300-500 meters above sea level. The main grape varietals in production include Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Canaiolo. The vineyards are managed using sustainable practices and organic viticulture. They are certified organic.

Overall, I Veroni is known for producing high-quality wines that reflect the unique terroir of the Chianti Rufina region. The winery’s commitment to tradition and quality has earned it a reputation as one of the top producers in the region.

The Wining Hour with I Veroni

I had the pleasure of being in an informative virtual meeting with the winemaker and owner. We learned about the winery location, soils, production and organic viticulture.  I was able to taste the winery’s flagship wines, I Domi and Quona, which are Super Tuscans.

Cantina I Veroni I Domi Chianti Rùfina DOCG

Cantina I Veroni I Domi Chianti Rùfina is a young and powerful Chianti produced with 90% Sangiovese, and 10% Canaiolo Nero and Colorino. The vineyards are located near the San Martino church in Pietrasanta, around 250 meters above sea level with south and south-west exposure. After harvesting, the wine undergoes fermentation with the skins for approximately 15 days, about one year in French oak and then 8 months in the bottle.

I Domi is the classic ruby red in the glass, with floral and fruity aromas of red berry fruit and baking spice. The palate is dry, harmonious and elegant, with well-defined tannins and bright acidity. Lingering finish. 14.5% ABV.

Cantina I Veroni Quona Chianti Rùfina Riserva DOCG

Cantina I Veroni Quona Chianti Rùfina Riserva is 100% Sangiovese. The vineyards are located near San Martino a Quona’s church, between 250-280 meters above sea level.  Quona undergoes a long fermentation with only the best Sangiovese grapes, and is aged in French oak barrels for 16-18 months before being bottled and stored for a further period of 8-10 months. 

Purple-red in the glass, with intense aromas of dark berry fruit, red berries and spices. Quona is smooth, fully-bodied, rich and complex with notes of blackberry, chocolate and tobacco.  Elegant and refined with a long finish. 15% ABV.

“We believe that our outstanding wines are the embodiment of our historic Tuscan vines and our up to date winery- first class examples of the fusion of the old and the new.” Cantina I Veroni

Cantina I Veroni is a stellar example of the elegant wines produced in Chianti Rùfina.

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