Ruffino Riserva Ducale Oro — Chianti Classico Gran Selezione, Tuscany 2021
Ruffino is one of Tuscany’s most storied and historic estates — a winery whose Riserva Ducale Oro holds a singular place in Italian wine history. In 1927, the inaugural Riserva Ducale vintage was crafted as a homage to the wine-loving Duke of Aosta. Two decades later, in 1947, Ruffino commemorated an exceptio...Show More >
Ruffino Riserva Ducale Oro — Chianti Classico Gran Selezione, Tuscany 2021
Ruffino is one of Tuscany’s most storied and historic estates — a winery whose Riserva Ducale Oro holds a singular place in Italian wine history. In 1927, the inaugural Riserva Ducale vintage was crafted as a homage to the wine-loving Duke of Aosta. Two decades later, in 1947, Ruffino commemorated an exceptional vintage by introducing the Riserva Ducale Oro — heralding the concept of Gran Selezione ahead of its time and creating what would become the world’s most recognized Chianti Classico Gran Selezione. Today, one out of every three bottles of Chianti Classico Gran Selezione opened in the world is a Riserva Ducale Oro. The 2021 earned 95 Points from James Suckling and 90 Points from Wine Enthusiast, and is matched only by its potential for decades of aging.
The nose is complex and distinctive: red cherries, violet, blackberry, plum, eucalyptus, licorice, and balsamic nuances, with old leather, wild herbs, pepper, and intriguing notes of cinnamon, clove, chocolate, and coffee. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and lush with dense, velvety tannins, gleaming flavors of blackberry, bergamot, and wild mint, crisp yet integrated acidity, and a long, peppery, savory finish. It is elegant, precise, and deeply satisfying — a Gran Selezione built for the cellar but impossible to resist now.
"An elegant and forthright Gallo Nero with a precise nose of red cherries, eucalyptus and licorice with balsamic nuances. A lush and supple palate with a full body and dense, velvety tannins that are precise and spicy. Crisp yet integrated acidity in the finish. Savory aftertaste. Drink or hold." — James Suckling, 95 Points. (Vintage 2021).
"The nose opens savory, with aromas of old leather, hot tar, wild herbs and pepper, then adds the sweetness of dark berries and cherries. Gleaming flavors of blackberries, bergamot and wild mint define the palate, before that bitter citrus element ignites into a peppery heat on the finish." — Danielle Callegari, Wine Enthusiast, 90 Points. (Vintage 2021).
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Producer: Ruffino, Pontassieve, Tuscany, Italy
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Vintage: 2021
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Appellation: Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG, Tuscany, Italy
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Blend: Sangiovese, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon
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Aging: Extended barrel & bottle aging — violet, cherry, chocolate & spice complexity
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Closure: Cork
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Size: 750ml
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Drink: Now or cellar for decades
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Tasting Notes: Red cherry, violet, blackberry, plum, eucalyptus, licorice, bergamot, wild mint, chocolate, coffee, peppery finish
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Best Paired With: Bistecca alla Fiorentina, wild boar ragù, aged Parmigiano, braised lamb, truffle risotto
Tuscany’s most iconic Gran Selezione at an honest price — Ruffino Riserva Ducale Oro is the benchmark for what historic, cellar-worthy Chianti Classico can deliver.
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