# Riserva Ducale Oro Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG (2020)

- **Producer:** Ruffino
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Sangiovese, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Colorino
- **Region:** Toscana, Italy
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 14.5%
- **Average price:** €34
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** dried fruit, black plum, red cherry, black cherry, vanilla, coffee, cloves, cedar, chocolate, forest floor, earth, leather, tobacco

## About this wine

Ruffino Riserva Ducale Oro Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG is a distinguished red wine from Tuscany, Italy. Its history began in 1927 as a tribute to the Duke of Aosta, with the 'Oro' designation introduced in 1947 to mark exceptional vintages. This wine is produced exclusively in outstanding years, representing the finest fruit from Ruffino's acclaimed vineyards. Ruffino, founded in 1877, has a long-standing tradition in Tuscan winemaking, with the Folonari family continuing its legacy of quality. The grapes are sourced from Ruffino's estates in the 'Conca d'Oro' area of Castellina in Chianti, a location noted for its favorable microclimate conducive to grape ripening.

## Interesting facts

- Riserva Ducale Oro's lineage traces back to 1927, a tribute to the Duke of Aosta.
- The 'Oro' (Gold) designation signifies an exceptional vintage, first introduced in 1947.
- This wine is only produced in outstanding years, ensuring peak expression of Ruffino's vineyards.
- It's considered a benchmark for Chianti Classico Gran Selezione.

## Food pairing

The wine's structure, with its present tannins and acidity, makes it well-suited for richer dishes. Tannins bind with proteins in red meats, softening the wine and cleansing the palate. The wine's savory notes and fruit profile complement the earthy and savory flavors of traditional Italian cuisine, particularly game and slow-cooked meats.

## Wine making process

The production of Ruffino Riserva Ducale Oro involves careful vineyard management and winemaking techniques. Grapes are harvested separately according to ripeness. Fermentation occurs in steel tanks with controlled temperatures, utilizing a pumping-over technique twice daily for optimal extraction. Malolactic fermentation is completed on oak. The wine is then aged for 36 months, with components maturing in large barrels, steel, and concrete. A final period of bottle rest precedes release.