Current Release Report: Chianti Rùfina Riserva Terraelectae 2021
By John Szabo MS
In case you missed it, Terraelectae is the relatively recent, top-quality designation of the Chianti Rùffina DOCG. Although not written into the production regulations, producers belonging to the appellation’s Consorzio, “decided to select their finest-quality vineyards exclusively dedicated to Sangiovese, just one vineyard per winery, and to produce a wine named after that vineyard, all utilising the same winemaking protocol, and finally to give it a voluntary collective mark, Terraelectae”, states the group’s press release.
This past February, I tasted 13 of them, 11 from 2021 vintage and 2 from 2020, produced by 13 of the 14 companies that joined the project presented at L’Altra Toscana Preview 2025 in Florence. The results were mixed, but the best show the fine detail, cool and sleek character, and ageability of sangiovese grown on the high hills northeast of Florence.
Terraelectae: The Details
Terraelectae is a voluntary mark conceived and owned by the producer-members of the Consorzio Chianti Rufina, a collective brand, rather than a piece of Italian wine legislation. It’s different than, say, the official Gran Selezione category, which was introduced in neighbouring Chianti Classico. But the spirit is similar, intended to represent the pinnacle of quality for each winery. This niche category represents approximately 55 thousand bottles compared to an average 3.5m million bottles of the Rùfina DOCG in total.
“Each producer identifies his “iconic vineyard,” that exceptional parcel within his estate vineyards in which Sangiovese expresses its classic characteristics in the most eloquent manner possible, to the highest degree, and in the most consistent fashion, year after year. Those grapes are vinified as a Chianti Rufina Riserva, in full respect of the Production Code, and the resultant wine is then granted the distinctive Terraelectae mark”, continues the official release.
The production of high-quality wines is certainly not new in this Chianti sub-zone. Cosimo III de’ Medici included Rufina in his 1716 decree aimed at protecting Tuscan wines originating in Chianti (now Chianti Classico), Pomino (now Chianti Rufina and Pomino), Carmignano, and Valdarno di Sopra, from fraudulent imitations.
During the 19th and 20th centuries, wines produced in this area of the Sieve River northeast of Florence gradually adopted the name Chianti, informally at first, and later officially through a 1932 Ministerial Decree that formally delineated the geographical extent of Chianti and its various sub-zones, among them Rùfina. Finally, the region was designated a Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC) in 1967 and Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (DOCG) in 1984.
Rùfina is the smallest of the seven Chianti sub-zones, with 22 producers currently farming just 750 hectares of registered vineyards, yielding about 3.5 million bottles annually. All but two are members of the Consorzio Chianti Rùfina.
The production zonecovers mainly the benches, low terraces, and high plateaus of the narrow Sieve valley that runs from Pontassieve towards Dicomano. The area is notably hilly even for Tuscany, with vines planted up to 700 meters, the highest elevation currently permitted in the production code. Woodlands of fir and chestnut trees, and olive groves, cover much of the rest of this cool territory protected to the east by the mountain chain of the Apennines. The mountains act as shields and barriers that in some areas channel the air currents, trap excessive rainfall, and moderate high temperatures, making Rùfina one of the coolest sub-zones of Chianti.
Chianti Rùffina Production Code at A Glance:
- Chianti Rufina must be composed of 70-100% Sangiovese, while Cabernet Franc or Cabernet Sauvignonmay not exceed 15% nor any white grapes 10%.
- Yields per hectare may not exceed 95 quintals/ha, with a maximum of 3kg/vine. Yield in juice must not exceed 70%, or 66.5 hl/ha.
- Wines can be released after 1 September of the year following harvest.
- The term Riserva requires a minimum ageing of 2 years, of which 6 months must be in oak barrels, and the minimum alcohol by volume is 12.5%.
Terraelectae Voluntary production Agreement
The wine must be produced exclusively from grapes grown in the Chianti Rufina DOCG sub-zone; must be sourced from estate vineyards or in directly-managed leased vineyards; must be composed of 100% Sangiovese; and must bear on the label the designation Vigna or Vigneto (Vineyard)”; and the wine must be traceable.
The wine must belong to the RISERVA category, be made in accordance with the Production Code, and
- Have a maximum production of 70 q/ha;
- Have an alcohol content not less than 12.5% vol.;
- Be aged a minimum of 30 months, of which 18 in oak and at least 6 months in bottle;
2021 Vintage: A Challenging Year
A severe early April frost, affecting especially lower-lying vineyards below about 220 meters, reduced yields, while cold weather in May causing irregular budbreak reduced production further, as did the very dry summer. Estates equipped with vineyard irrigation systems we’re forced into action.
On the positive side, warm daytime temperatures alternating with cool nights towards the end of the growing season, with a diurnal shift up to 15-16ºC, allowed for steady maturation and softening of tannins and aromatic development. In the end, the 2021s are quite structured, and will be wines to hold in the cellar, the best capable of improving into the mid-2030s.
John Szabo’s Buyer’s Guide: Chianti Rùfina Riserva Terraelectae 2021
93 Fattoria di Lavacchio Chianti Rùfina Riserva Terraelectae Vigna Casanova 2021
One of the deepest, darkest-coloured Terraelectae Riservas from the 2021 vintage, Lavacchio’s Vigna Casanova is an equally ripe and perfumed, dark cherry-inflected, plush and velvety wine with immense appeal. Mouthfilling, fresh, impeccably balanced with excellent length, it sits among the top examples comfortably. Tacks in a different but attractive direction relative to neighboring Chianti Classico. Best from 2026 – already lots of pleasure on the table. Planted 1963. Size 1,80ha. Exposure Southwest. Elevation: 450m. SOIls Clay and limestone with alberese. Organic farming.
92 Vinae Montae Chianti Rùfina Riserva Terraelectae Vigneto il Monte 2021
From the tiny, 0,6ha Il Monte vineyard, this pours a pale-medium garnet red. Dusty and woody off the top, a traditional style with tart red fruit. The palate is medium weight with firm tannins supported by lively acids lending a tight texture, several years from prime drinking. Length and depth are very good, and complexity should continue to develop nicely over the next 3-4 years. Nicely done in a balanced, more old school style with polish and class.
92 Frescobaldi Chianti Rùfina Riserva Terraelectae Vigna Montesodi 2021
Modern, professional wine with ripe, dark fruit and seductive oak influence, sweet baking spice and lightly dried/desiccated fruit. Tannins are sleek and balanced by fruit extract, and length and depth are very good to excellent. An accomplished wine, still territorially representative despite the modern leaning. Planted in 1991 and 2007. Size: 20ha. Exposure: southwest. Soils: stony with alberese, clayey and calcareous, well drained. 5850 vines/ha.
92 Grignano Tenuta Inghirami Chianti Rùfina Riserva Terraelectae Vigna Montefiesole 2021
Medium garnet-red. Attractive and engaging aromatics; sweet red fruit, wild herbs, dried flowers and more result in a complex expression. The palate is polished and silky, refined, with delicate, elegant tannins and comfortable but present acids – everything lines up nicely in a sophisticated expression. Best from 2026 – I like where this is going already. Vigneto Montefiesole: average age 23 years old. 5000 vines/ha – Exposure: Southeast. Elevation 350m – limestone and clay with alberese. Organic farming.
92 Castello del Trebbio Chianti Rùfina Riserva Terraelectae Vigneto Lastricato 2021
Open and showing abundant oak and medicinal character on the oxidative side with its dusty, dried fruit and pot pourri notes, though it picks up freshness on the palate. I like the firm-silky texture and the balanced acids, and the long finish – really hangs on nicely. Give it two-three more years in the cellar. Planted in 1997. Size: 2,63ha. Exposure: Northeast – Southwest. Soils: stony clayey soil. 5700 vines/ha. Organic farming.
91 Colognole Chianti Rùfina Riserva Terraelectae Vigna Le Rogaie 2021
Generous oak is noted off the top with its cacao nibs and coffee bean aromatics, sitting alongside darker cherry fruit. Fruit depth and extract picks up on the palate, giving promise for future integration. Tannins are broad but supple and ripe, and length is very good to excellent. A fine example, best from 2027. Vineyard planted in2003. Size: 2,14ha. Exposure Southwest. Elevation 420. Soils: medium content silt and clay. Good presence of sand and low limestone. 5950 vines/ha.
