# Chianti Classico

- **Producer:** Ruffino
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Sangiovese, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon
- **Region:** Toscana, Italy
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 13.5%
- **Average price:** €16
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** cherry, plum, violet, rose, eucalyptus, vanilla, cloves, cedar, chocolate, tobacco, leather

## About this wine

Founded in 1877 in Pontassieve near Florence, Ruffino is one of Tuscany's most historic wine producers. In 1890, the Duke of Aosta visited the winery and was so impressed that he appointed Ruffino as official supplier to the Italian Royal Household. When Chianti was elevated to Italy's top DOCG status in 1984, Ruffino was awarded the very first warranty neck strip, AA00000001. Today, the estate remains a benchmark for classic Chianti Classico.

## Interesting facts

- Ruffino was awarded the very first official Chianti DOCG warranty neck strip: AA00000001 in 1984.
- In 1890, H.R.H. the Duke of Aosta appointed Ruffino as an official supplier to the Italian Royal Household.
- Ruffino created 'Riserva Ducale' in 1927, using the term 'Riserva' decades before official wine laws codified it.

## Food pairing

Chianti Classico's vibrant natural acidity and structured tannins cut effortlessly through rich protein fats and tomato sauce acidity. The fine-grained tannins bind with red meat proteins while the refreshing acidity cleanses the palate between rich bites.

## Wine making process

Grapes are sourced from estate vineyards across Castellina in Chianti planted in poor, rocky galestro schist and clay soils. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks for 10 to 21 days with periodic pump-overs. Malolactic fermentation occurs in concrete vats, followed by traditional aging in concrete vats, large Slavonian oak casks, and oak barriques prior to bottling.