Renzo Masi Chianti Riserva is a 750ml Sangiovese-based red wine from Chianti Rufina, Tuscany, bottled at approximately 13.5–14% ABV depending on vintage. Scored 91 points by James Suckling (2014 vintage) and awarded Gold and Trophy at the International Wine Challenge (2009 vintage), this Riserva stands out as an overperforming expression from one of Tuscany's most respected sub-zones.Quick Facts: ABV: 13.5–14% | Origin: Chianti Rufina, Tuscany, Italy | Style: Riserva (minimum 30 months aging) | Producer: Renzo MasiProduction & HeritageRenzo Masi produces this Riserva exclusively in very good vintages, a selective approach that separates it from many commercial Chianti houses releasing annually regardless of conditions. The blend is 95% Sangiovese with 5% Colorino and Canaiolo, a traditional Tuscan composition. As mandated by Riserva classification, the wine undergoes a minimum of 30 months of aging before release, including 14 months in barrel followed by further maturation in bottle. The Chianti Rufina sub-region, a cooler and higher-altitude zone northeast of Florence, consistently yields wines with firmer structure and greater aging potential than much of the broader Chianti appellation.Tasting NotesAroma: The nose opens with cranberry and sour red cherry before layering in savory notes of leather, herbs, and damp earth. A subtle thread of oak spice and pipe tobacco develops with time in the glass.Taste: The entry is bone dry with concentrated red and black cherry flavors that carry real density. Mid-palate, baking spice, cedar, and stewed blackcurrant emerge alongside a persistent earthiness. Chalky, well-integrated tannins provide structure without overwhelming the fruit, while a modern plushness rounds out the texture.Finish: The finish is long and dry, with dusty tannins that linger alongside sour cherry and a faint echo of vanilla and toast. There is a velvety quality to the close that belies the wine's firm tannic backbone.How to Drink Renzo Masi RiservaThis wine rewards patient decanting — 30 to 45 minutes of air opens up the savory aromatics considerably. Serve at cellar temperature, around 60–65°F, in a standard Bordeaux glass to concentrate the earthy cherry notes. While primarily a food wine, it also holds up beautifully on its own. For cocktail-adjacent applications, it works well in a classic Sangria Rossa, where its dry tannins and cherry fruit add backbone. A Chianti Spritz — equal parts Riserva and sparkling water over ice with an orange slice — makes a refreshing warm-weather pour. It also serves as a robust base in a Mulled Wine, where its spice and earth notes amplify cinnamon, clove, and citrus peel.Best For Hosting an Italian-themed dinner party centered on Tuscan cuisine Gifting a red wine enthusiast who appreciates old-world structure Building a cellar with affordable, age-worthy Italian reds Pairing with a weekend slow-cooked ragu or braised meat course Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat does Renzo Masi Riserva taste like? It is a dry, medium-to-full-bodied Sangiovese dominated by red cherry, earth, cedar, and baking spice, with chalky tannins and a long, savory finish. The overall impression is structured yet approachable, balancing fruit concentration with classic Tuscan rusticity.How does Renzo Masi Riserva compare to Castello di Brolio Chianti Classico? Both are Sangiovese-driven Tuscan reds, but Renzo Masi hails from the cooler Chianti Rufina sub-zone, which tends to produce wines with higher acidity and a firmer tannic frame. Castello di Brolio, from Chianti Classico, typically sits at a higher price tier and is sourced from warmer, more centrally located vineyards in the Gaiole area.Is Renzo Masi Riserva good for sipping neat? Yes — its layered aromatics, moderate alcohol, and well-resolved tannins make it a satisfying standalone pour, especially after decanting for at least 30 minutes to let the savory complexity emerge.Where is Renzo Masi Riserva made? It is produced in the Chianti Rufina DOCG zone, a sub-appellation of Chianti located in the hills northeast of Florence, Tuscany, Italy. Chianti Rufina is one of the smallest and most historically acclaimed Chianti sub-regions.What foods pair well with Renzo Masi Riserva? Pappardelle with wild boar ragu brings out the wine's earthy depth. Grilled lamb chops complement its herbal and spice notes. Aged Pecorino Toscano mirrors the chalky tannic texture. Osso buco benefits from the wine's acidity cutting through rich braising juices. A simple margherita pizza with San Marzano tomatoes echoes the bright cherry fruit.What sizes does Renzo Masi Riserva come in? The standard release is a 750ml bottle, which is the most widely available format.Is Renzo Masi Riserva worth the price? It positions as a strong value within the Chianti Riserva category, delivering aging, complexity, and critical acclaim — including 91 points from James Suckling — at a price point well below many Chianti Classico Riservas, making it one of the better buys in Tuscan reds.Why Renzo Masi Riserva?The decision to bottle this wine only in exceptional vintages immediately sets it apart from volume-driven Chianti producers. That selectivity, combined with the inherent advantages of the Chianti Rufina terroir — cooler temperatures, higher elevation, and clay-limestone soils — results in a Riserva with genuine aging potential and structural integrity. The IWC Gold and Trophy recognition and a 91-point James Suckling score confirm that this is not merely a budget play but a legitimate expression of traditional Sangiovese winemaking. For anyone seeking Tuscan character without the Chianti Classico premium, Renzo Masi Riserva consistently delivers above its weight class.
