Wines Chianti Classico Ruffino - Riserva Ducale Oro - 2019

Viniou Reviews

The 2019 Ruffino Chianti Classico Riserva Ducale Oro is a distinguished red wine hailing from the Tuscany region of Italy. This particular blend is made primarily from the Sangiovese grape, a hallmark of Chianti wines, often complemented with small proportions of other varieties such as Canaiolo and Merlot. The Riserva Ducale Oro label suggests it has been aged for a longer period than regular Chianti Classicos, usually spending about two years in oak barrels, which imparts complexity and depth to the wine. The 2019 vintage benefits from a good growing season characterized by balanced weather, contributing to the wine’s refined structure and nuanced flavours.

Tuscany, in central Italy, is renowned for its rolling hills and picturesque landscapes, along with a rich history of winemaking that dates back to the Etruscans. The Chianti Classico area, set between Florence and Siena, is the heart of Tuscany's wine production. Its climate fosters grape growing with hot summers tempered by cooling breezes from the Tyrrhenian Sea and cooler nights, which help maintain acidity and freshness in the wines. The soil is typically a mixture of clay, limestone, and schist, providing excellent drainage and mineral richness, key elements in producing wines with character and longevity.

This Chianti Classico pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes. Its vibrant acidity and firm tannins make it a superb companion for rich, tomato-based pasta dishes such as pappardelle with wild boar ragu or a classic Tuscan ribollita stew. Grilled meats, especially lamb or beef, and aged cheeses like Pecorino Toscano also complement the wine's structure and flavour profile beautifully.

For optimal enjoyment, serve this wine at a temperature of 16-18°C. This allows the intricate aromas of red berries, spices, and subtle oak to flourish while ensuring the palate is perfectly balanced and expressive. Decant the wine for about an hour before serving to further enhance its aromatic complexity and depth.