Description

Ruffino Riserva Ducale Chianti Classico DOCG

Since 1927, Riserva Ducale has carried a name with royal roots: it honors the Duke of Aosta, who chose Ruffino as supplier to the Italian royal household back in 1890. It’s one of the rare wines in the world entitled to use the term “Riserva” in its name outright, having established the concept before the category itself existed. Ruffino was also the first producer to commit seriously to the Chianti Classico region, building a presence across three estates and more than 200 hectares within the appellation.

The fruit for this wine comes from a combination of Ruffino’s own estate vineyards and long-standing historic Chianti Classico growers, grown between 250 and 450 meters above sea level on variable soils that lean silty-clay and limestone-rich. The 2022 vintage brought hot, dry weather and balanced harvest conditions.

Fermentation and maceration take place in temperature-controlled stainless steel, with maceration lasting 10 to 20 days depending on the vintage. Riserva Ducale then matures for at least 12 months, with the Sangiovese aging in large Slavonian oak casks and the Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon in barriques and tonneaux. From there, the wine spends another 9 months aging in concrete before finishing with 3 months in bottle prior to release.

Ruffino Riserva Ducale Chianti Classico DOCG Notes to your senses

• Appearance: ruby red
• Aroma: an elegant bouquet of violets, cherries, wild berries, and plums, layered with notes of tobacco, clove, and eucalyptus
• Taste: balanced with delicate tannins and the vibrant acidity characteristic of Sangiovese
• Finish: enduring, with a bold structure throughout
• ABV: 15%