AChianti Rufina Riserva DOCG – Frescobaldi
Frescobaldi · €60 to €120
reliability high
70,28 € 85,76 €
BChianti Superiore DOCG – Melini
Melini · Under €15
reliability medium
8,61 € 10,64 €
The verdict
Chianti Rufina Riserva DOCG – Frescobaldi takes the lead
Chianti Rufina Riserva DOCG – Frescobaldi scores 8,1/10, ahead of Chianti Superiore DOCG – Melini (7,7). Frescobaldi Chianti Rufina Riserva DOCG, Sangiovese aged at least 24 months, awarded by Gambero Rosso, Veronelli, Bibenda and several international guides. In 3 L at €70.28, it comes to €17.57 per 75 cl; neither organic nor sulfite-free is specified.
Choose Chianti Rufina Riserva DOCG – Frescobaldi if…
- you want the safest value in the duel: best overall score (8,1), level with or ahead on typicité & terroir, reconnaissance et rapport qualité/prix
- you prioritise reconnaissance (8,6 vs 6,1) : Three bicchieri, three Veronelli stars, four Bibenda grappoli, James Suckling 90 and 92, Robert Parker 90, Wine Spectator 91: several top-level distinctions.
- you prioritise producteur & vinification (8,3 vs 7,6) : Named Frescobaldi, Nipozzano estate located in Rufina, steel fermentation, extended maceration and aging for at least 24 months specified.
Its weak point in this head-to-head: polyvalence à table (7,6). Specific pairings (red meats, game, aged cheeses), detailed aromatic profile and serving temperature of 16-18°C indicated; nothing about aging potential.
Choose Chianti Superiore DOCG – Melini if…
- you prioritise polyvalence à table (8,6 vs 7,6) : Precise pairings (bistecca alla fiorentina, aged cheeses, braises), red fruit-spice profile and service at 16-18 °C: wide versatility at the table.
- your budget matters: from €9 / btl, the lowest price in the head-to-head
Its weak point in this head-to-head: reconnaissance (6,1). No distinction or guide mentioned; Melini is named, but its reputation is not documented. Simply a lack of information.
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 –…Chianti Rufina DOCG appellation and Rufina sub-zone named, Sangiovese as the sole grape variety, notes of red fruit, spice and balsamic consistent with the appellation.
Chianti Superiore DOCG – Meli…Chianti Superiore DOCG, sangiovese grosso and the Chianti area in Tuscany: clear anchoring. The unnamed complementary grapes limit the rating.
Why these ratings?
Chianti Rufina Riserva DOCG –…Three bicchieri, three Veronelli stars, four Bibenda grappoli, James Suckling 90 and 92, Robert Parker 90, Wine Spectator 91: several top-level distinctions.
Chianti Superiore DOCG – Meli…No distinction or guide mentioned; Melini is named, but its reputation is not documented. Simply a lack of information.
Why these ratings?
Chianti Rufina Riserva DOCG –…Large 3 L format at €70.28 instead of €85.76, i.e. €17.57 per 75 cl: a price consistent with an award-winning DOCG riserva, without being markedly below its standing.
Chianti Superiore DOCG – Meli…8.61 €, crossed-out price 10.64 €, for a Chianti Superiore DOCG: a contained price consistent with the appellation. No distinction justifies a higher price.
Why these ratings?
Chianti Rufina Riserva DOCG –…Specific pairings (red meats, game, aged cheeses), detailed aromatic profile and serving temperature of 16-18°C indicated; nothing about aging potential.
Chianti Superiore DOCG – Meli…Precise pairings (bistecca alla fiorentina, aged cheeses, braises), red fruit-spice profile and service at 16-18 °C: wide versatility at the table.
Why these ratings?
Chianti Rufina Riserva DOCG –…Named Frescobaldi, Nipozzano estate located in Rufina, steel fermentation, extended maceration and aging for at least 24 months specified.
Chianti Superiore DOCG – Meli…Melini is named; steel fermentation, skin maceration and aging of at least 9 months are specified. Organic and hand harvesting not specified.
Features
Price, estate, grape variety, vintage
What is written on the listing. “Not specified” is not “no”.
| Criterion | Chianti Rufina Riserva DOCG –… | Chianti Superiore DOCG – Meli… |
|---|---|---|
| Recorded price | 70,28 € | 8,61 € |
| Price per 75 cl | 17,57 € | 8,61 € |
| Estate | Frescobaldi | Melini |
| Traveller rating | not specified | not specified |
| Reliability of our score | high | medium |
| Color | Red | Red |
| Area | Chianti Rufina & Pomino | Chianti |
| Price | €60 to €120 | Under €15 |
| Grape variety | Sangiovese | Sangiovese |
| Vintage | 2023 | not specified |
| Estate | Frescobaldi | Melini |
| Bottle or gift box | Wines | Wines |
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