Ruffino 2010 Tan Label Riserva Ducale Chianti Classico
Ruffino has a long history and enjoys more than a century of fine winemaking in Tuscany. In 1870, two men (cousins) with a common dream founded Ruffino. Ilario and Leopoldo Ruffino laid the foundation for what was to become one of the most known and loved Italian wineries in the world. In the beginning, Ruffino sourced grapes and wine from the wine farmers of the area, which was then refined in the company cellars at Pontassieve. The meticulous attention to detail and the continuous search for quality which characterized the work of the two cousins formed the basis for the production philosophy which distinguishes Ruffino, even today. The quality of its wines and the expression of the territories where these wines are produced, a winemaking art which Ruffino has refined throughout the decades. Chianti Ruffino, followed by Riserva Ducale, was one of the very first wines to cross the Italian border and introduce Italian wine to the world, and is present in over 85 countries covering 5 continents. As a side note, in 1975, Ruffino changed its image and abandon the characteristic Chianti straw bottle.
At the end of nineteenth century, Chianti was made with red and white grapes, by stomping on them and storing the wine in large straw basket dressed containers, the famous “fiasco”. People used to drink Chianti when it was still young to gain the energy needed to be able to face a long sweaty day in the fields. However, even during that time, it was custom for people to save a little of the best of the vintage for special occasions. This batch of wine was supposed to improve with the passing years. Thanks to slow aging in the properly dark and humid cellars of the old houses, it gained an even better flavor. At the time, it was not a popular concept in Tuscany or Italy, but one for which Ruffino had a strong early vision. One of the first and most prominent admirers of Ruffino wines was without doubt the Duke of Aosta, who at the end of the nineteenth century appointed Ruffino supplier to his house. The Duke’s appreciation was made official in the form of a Ducal certificate. From this event stems the origin of the name and the history of Riserva Ducale, born in 1927, a wine originally produced as Chianti Stravecchio, according to the production rules of the time, and subsequently reclassified as Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG.
Enough history for now, time to taste. Riserva Ducale is aged for 24 months on oak and spends at least three months in the bottle before being released. The wine had a minimum of 80% Sangiovese, with added Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. The color is a deep ruby red and has a bouquet of sweet-smelling fresh ripe fruit, blackberries and cherries, with hints of pungent spices. The fruit comes forth on the palate, smooth tannins and slight mineral finish. This is an incredible wine for $20. Keep this as a staple in your cellar.
Cheers!