Duel · Wines · 3 addresses
Chianti Rufina Riserva DOCG – Frescobaldi, Rosso di Montepulciano DOC – Antinori or Rosso di Montepulciano DOC – Antinori?
Three wines compared criterion by criterion with the editorial rating, the recorded price and the amenities. Verdict written by the code, based on the editorial team's justifications.
Chianti Rufina Riserva DOCG – Frescobaldi
Frescobaldi · €15 to €30
reliability high
15,37 € 18,60 €
Rosso di Montepulciano DOC – Antinori
Antinori · Less than 15 €
reliability high
12,81 € 16,17 €
Rosso di Montepulciano DOC – Antinori
Antinori · Less than 15 €
reliability medium
11,53 € 13,98 €
The verdict
Chianti Rufina Riserva DOCG – Frescobaldi takes the lead
Chianti Rufina Riserva DOCG – Frescobaldi scores 8,4/10, ahead of Rosso di Montepulciano DOC – Antinori (7,8) et Rosso di Montepulciano DOC – Antinori (7,8). Frescobaldi Chianti Rufina Riserva at 90% Sangiovese, named Rufina subzone, awarded Tre Bicchieri and aged a minimum of 24 months, at €15.37. Limitations: 10% Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, and organic status not specified.
Choose Chianti Rufina Riserva DOCG – Frescobaldi if…
- you want the safest value in the duel: best overall score (8,4), level with or ahead on typicité & terroir, reconnaissance et rapport qualité/prix
- you prioritise typicité & terroir (8,6 vs 7,8) : Rufina subzone named as DOCG, Sangiovese at 90% with Malvasia Nera and Colorino, galestro soil described: a clear Tuscan anchor, but 10% Merlot and Cabernet.
- you prioritise reconnaissance (8,6 vs 7,8) : Tre Bicchieri, 4 grappoli Bibenda, 3 stelle Veronelli, plus scores of 90 to 92 from Suckling, Parker and Wine Spectator: high recognition.
- you care about sangiovese, cabernet et merlot: amenities that only this listing mentions
Choose Rosso di Montepulciano DOC – Antinori if…
- a 2024 Rosso di Montepulciano DOC from Antinori La Braccesca: Sangiovese fermented in steel, aged 6 to 12 months, 2 stars Veronelli and 90 Wine Spectator, priced at €12.81
Its weak point in this head-to-head: typicité & terroir (7,6). Rosso di Montepulciano DOC named with Sangiovese and the Montepulciano area; red fruit, spice and floral profile consistent with the appellation.
Choose Rosso di Montepulciano DOC – Antinori if…
- your budget matters: from €12 / btl, the lowest price in the head-to-head
Its weak point in this head-to-head: reconnaissance (7,6). Two named distinctions: 2 stars Veronelli and 90 Wine Spectator, with a renowned producer (Antinori, origins 1385): above a simple mention.
Reliability high / medium : ratings based on the file of each listing, not on a stay by our team · Ratings of the 20 October 2026 · Our rating method
Criterion by criterion
The 5 criteria of the score
Why these ratings?
Chianti Rufina Riserva DOCG –…Rufina subzone named as DOCG, Sangiovese at 90% with Malvasia Nera and Colorino, galestro soil described: a clear Tuscan anchor, but 10% Merlot and Cabernet.
Rosso di Montepulciano DOC –…Rosso di Montepulciano DOC named with Sangiovese and the Montepulciano area; red fruit, spice and floral profile consistent with the appellation.
Rosso di Montepulciano DOC –…Rosso di Montepulciano DOC appellation and the Montepulciano area named, Sangiovese (Prugneto Gentile) consistent; ruby color and red fruit notes, cherry and flowers match.
Why these ratings?
Chianti Rufina Riserva DOCG –…Tre Bicchieri, 4 grappoli Bibenda, 3 stelle Veronelli, plus scores of 90 to 92 from Suckling, Parker and Wine Spectator: high recognition.
Rosso di Montepulciano DOC –…Two named distinctions: 2 stars Veronelli and Wine Spectator 90, held by Antinori La Braccesca; recognized level but not the highest.
Rosso di Montepulciano DOC –…Two named distinctions: 2 stars Veronelli and 90 Wine Spectator, with a renowned producer (Antinori, origins 1385): above a simple mention.
Why these ratings?
Chianti Rufina Riserva DOCG –…€15.37 for a Chianti Rufina Riserva awarded Tre Bicchieri, with a crossed-out price of €18.60: clearly below the usual price for this tier.
Rosso di Montepulciano DOC –…At €12.81 instead of €16.17, this award-winning Rosso di Montepulciano DOC (2 stars Veronelli, 90 Wine Spectator) sits below the usual price for its rank.
Rosso di Montepulciano DOC –…At €11.53 (crossed-out price €13.98) for a Rosso di Montepulciano from Antinori and distinguished, the price remains moderate for this rank.
Why these ratings?
Chianti Rufina Riserva DOCG –…Pairs with red meats, game and aged cheeses, red fruit and spice profile, served at 16-18 °C: easy to match this riserva.
Rosso di Montepulciano DOC –…Precise pairings with red meats, salumi and aged cheeses; red fruit, spice and floral profile described, service at 16-18 °C indicated.
Rosso di Montepulciano DOC –…Precise pairings (grilled red meats, salumi, aged cheeses), detailed aromatic profile and service at 16-18 °C; nothing on aging potential.
Why these ratings?
Chianti Rufina Riserva DOCG –…Frescobaldi named in Rufina, steel fermentation, wood aging and minimum 24 months specified; neither hand harvesting nor organic certification indicated.
Rosso di Montepulciano DOC –…Antinori La Braccesca, an estate located in Montepulciano: steel tank fermentation, skin maceration and aging of 6 to 12 months specified.
Rosso di Montepulciano DOC –…Antinori estate named and located in Montepulciano, steel vinification with skin maceration and aging of 6 to 12 months specified; organic not mentioned.
Features
Price, estate, grape variety, vintage
What is written on the listing. “Not specified” is not “no”.
| Criterion | Chianti Rufina Riserva DOCG –… | Rosso di Montepulciano DOC –… | Rosso di Montepulciano DOC –… |
|---|---|---|---|
| Recorded price | 15,37 € | 12,81 € | 11,53 € |
| Price per 75 cl | 15,37 € | 12,81 € | 11,53 € |
| Estate | Frescobaldi | Antinori | Antinori |
| Traveller rating | not specified | not specified | not specified |
| Reliability of our score | high | high | medium |
| Color | Red | Red | Red |
| Area | Chianti Rufina & Pomino | Montepulciano | Montepulciano |
| Price | 15 à 30 € | Under €15 | Under €15 |
| Vintage | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 |
| Estate | Frescobaldi | Antinori | Antinori |
| Bottle or gift box | Wines | Wines | Wines |
| Grape variety | not specified | Sangiovese | Sangiovese |
| Sangiovese | Yes | not specified | not specified |
| Cabernet | Yes | not specified | not specified |
| Merlot | Yes | not specified | not specified |
| Colorino | Yes | not specified | not specified |
| Malvasia | Yes | not specified | not specified |
| Sauvignon | Yes | not specified | not specified |
Bottle of ItalyIf you book or order through one of these links, we earn a commission, at no extra cost to you. The partner never influences the rating or the verdict.
Change an address
Other well-rated wines
Other duels
Also worth reading
vs
Wines · Chianti Rufina & Pomino
Chianti Rufina Riserva DOCG – Frescobaldi or Chianti Rufina Riserva DOCG – Frescobaldi ?
The two best-rated wines: Chianti Rufina & Pomino
vs
Wines · Montalcino
Brunello di Montalcino DOCG – Antinori or Brunello di Montalcino DOCG – Donatella Cinelli Colombini ?
Same rating, two different addresses
vsWines · Montalcino
Brunello di Montalcino DOCG – Fattoria dei Barbi or Brunello di Montalcino DOCG – Donatella Cinelli Colombini ?
Same rating, two different addresses
Alcohol abuse is dangerous for health, consume in moderation.
All wines