Product Description:

"Intense ruby red. This complex wine is characterized by cherry and violet notes with delicate hints of tobacco, white pepper, and a touch of flint. Riserva Ducale Chianti Classico Riserva is well balanced on the palate, with velvety tannins, firm acidity, and a lingering finish of rosemary. Its structure will allow it to age for two to five years, if not longer.

We start with a careful selection of the best grapes from the traditional Chianti Classico production region in Tuscany, including fruit from our own Santedame, Gretole and Montemasso estates. The blend is 80% Sangiovese - the most predominant and most famous red grape variety of Chianti - along with 20% Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine undergoes secondary malolactic fermentation to enhance its velvety texture, then ages for 24 months in oak, stainless steel and concrete vats. Riserva Ducale spends an additional three months in bottle before release.

This fabled Ruffino wine has been one of our most prized since it was first released in 1927. Riserva Ducale is crafted using modern winemaking techniques to enhance traditional Italian methods, and is widely acknowledged as a benchmark for Chianti Classico Riserva. Why this name? Ducale means 'duke' in Italian. Riserva Ducale honors the Duke of Aosta who braved a journey over the Alps to taste the Ruffino wines that he had heard so much about. He was so impressed by the wine that in 1890 he appointed Ruffino as the official supplier to the Italian royal family. This honor is not only reflected in the wine's name, but is depicted on its iconic label, one of the most recognized in the world of Italian wine." - Winery