Duel · Wines · 3 addresses
Chianti Rufina Riserva DOCG – Frescobaldi, Chianti Superiore DOCG – Melini ou Morellino di Scansano DOCG – Fattoria dei Barbi ?
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
22,55 € 24,47 €
Chianti Superiore DOCG – Melini
Melini · Under €15
reliability medium
8,61 € 10,64 €
Morellino di Scansano DOCG – Fattoria dei Barbi
Fattoria dei Barbi · Under €15
reliability medium
7,81 € 9,26 €
The verdict
Chianti Rufina Riserva DOCG – Frescobaldi and Morellino di Scansano DOCG – Fattoria dei Barbi neck and neck
8,2 versus 8,2: the gap is too small to separate them on the overall rating. The choice comes down to the criteria that matter to you, below.
Choose Chianti Rufina Riserva DOCG – Frescobaldi if…
- you prioritise producteur & vinification (8,4 vs 7,8) : Frescobaldi is named; steel fermentation, long maceration, aging of at least 24 months and three months of aging in glass are specified.
- you prioritise typicité & terroir (8,9 vs 8,4) : Chianti Rufina Riserva DOCG, Rufina zone in Tuscany, Sangiovese only; the profile of red fruit, violet and balsamic notes is consistent with the appellation.
Its weak point in this head-to-head: rapport qualité/prix (7,6). At €22.55 versus a crossed-out price of €24.47, this Chianti Rufina Riserva DOCG 2020 rated 93 by James Suckling sits at a price consistent with its appellation.
Choose Chianti Superiore DOCG – Melini if…
- you prioritise polyvalence à table (8,6 vs 8,2) : Precise pairings (bistecca alla fiorentina, aged cheeses, braises), red fruit-spice profile and service at 16-18 °C: wide versatility at the table.
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.
Choose Morellino di Scansano DOCG – Fattoria dei Barbi if…
- you prioritise rapport qualité/prix (8,5 vs 7,8) : At €7.81, with a crossed-out price of €9.26, the bottle sits clearly below the usual price of a distinguished DOCG: a very favorable ratio.
- your budget matters: from €8 / btl, the lowest price in the head-to-head
Its weak point in this head-to-head: producteur & vinification (7,8). Fattoria dei Barbi named and located in Scansano; stainless steel fermentation, skin maceration and aging of at least 1 year specified, without organic 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 –…Chianti Rufina Riserva DOCG, Rufina zone in Tuscany, Sangiovese only; the profile of red fruit, violet and balsamic notes is 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.
Morellino di Scansano DOCG –…Appellation DOCG named precisely, Sangiovese grape and the Scansano (Grosseto) zone in Maremma: a clear terroir anchor, coherent red fruit profile.
Why these ratings?
Chianti Rufina Riserva DOCG –…James Suckling 93 for 2020 and 92 for 2021; Frescobaldi is named, but no very high-level distinction is mentioned.
Chianti Superiore DOCG – Meli…No distinction or guide mentioned; Melini is named, but its reputation is not documented. Simply a lack of information.
Morellino di Scansano DOCG –…Several distinctions: 3 viti 2020, 3 viti AIS and James Suckling 90 (2021), without reaching the very high level of 95 points or Tre Bicchieri.
Why these ratings?
Chianti Rufina Riserva DOCG –…At €22.55 versus a crossed-out price of €24.47, this Chianti Rufina Riserva DOCG 2020 rated 93 by James Suckling sits at a price consistent with its appellation.
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.
Morellino di Scansano DOCG –…At €7.81, with a crossed-out price of €9.26, the bottle sits clearly below the usual price of a distinguished DOCG: a very favorable ratio.
Why these ratings?
Chianti Rufina Riserva DOCG –…Precise pairings with red meats, game and aged cheeses; serving temperature of 16-18 °C and detailed profile (red fruit, spices, balsamic notes) facilitate the match.
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.
Morellino di Scansano DOCG –…Precise pairings (carni rosse, arrosti, aged cheeses), red fruit profile, spices and balsamic notes, served at 16-18 °C: a versatile wine.
Why these ratings?
Chianti Rufina Riserva DOCG –…Frescobaldi is named; steel fermentation, long maceration, aging of at least 24 months and three months of aging in glass are 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.
Morellino di Scansano DOCG –…Fattoria dei Barbi named and located in Scansano; stainless steel fermentation, skin maceration and aging of at least 1 year specified, without organic mention.
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… | Morellino di Scansano DOCG –… |
|---|---|---|---|
| Recorded price | 22,55 € | 8,61 € | 7,81 € |
| Price per 75 cl | 22,55 € | 8,61 € | 7,81 € |
| Estate | Frescobaldi | Melini | Fattoria dei Barbi |
| Traveller rating | not specified | not specified | not specified |
| Reliability of our score | high | medium | medium |
| Color | Red | Red | Red |
| Area | Chianti Rufina & Pomino | Chianti | Maremma & Montecucco |
| Price | €15 to €30 | Under €15 | Under €15 |
| Grape variety | Sangiovese | Sangiovese | Sangiovese |
| Vintage | 2020 | not specified | 2022 |
| Estate | Frescobaldi | Melini | Fattoria dei Barbi |
| Bottle or gift box | Wines | Wines | Wines |
| Origin | not specified | not specified | Maremma wines |
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