This wine is an absolute steal. The 2016 Chianti Classico Rubiolo is 95% Sangiovese with 5% Merlot. Most of the grapes come from the Panzano area, and a smaller percentage comes from Castellina in Chianti. Thanks to some of the high-altitude positioning of the vineyards (up to 500 meters above sea level), grapes were harvested late (in mid-October) in this cooler vintage. This is one of the reasons you get so much fruit freshness with intense berry aromas. The Panzano in Chianti vineyard has old vines planted in compact clay soils with galestro stone. The Castellina area has similar yet slightly looser soils with terraces that show increased vigor and fertility among the plants. This wine is not as dark or dense compared to the 2015 vintage, yet it is fresher and more elegant.