Ruffino is a leading winery in Tuscany, and it champions the Sangiovese wines we all know as Chianti. This is what you need to know about Ruffino wine.
Few Italian wineries enjoy the reputation of Ruffino. The estate is larger than life and a synonym for Italian wines and the Mediterranean lifestyle. Tuscany would not be the same without Chianti, and Chianti wouldn’t exist without Ruffino.
Ruffino is a historic estate as well which helped shape the modern Italian wine scene. Ruffino wine has a place in every wine lover’s heart. And if you still haven’t tried it, you’re in the right place. Here’s all you need to know about Ruffino wine, its history and its impressive catalogue.
Ruffino, The Story
Cousins Ilario and Leopoldo Ruffino founded the original Ruffino estate in 1877 near Florence. Tuscan wine was well known at that time, but nothing like it is today. The entrepreneurs’ innovative take on winemaking soon got noticed, and by 1895, the winery was already earning medals abroad.
The Folonari Family purchased Ruffino in 1913 and was instrumental in developing the first Chianti appellation. The estate became an ambassador for wines based on the local Sangiovese grape and, luckily, survived the World Wars.
Fast forward to the late 20th century, Ruffino became part of the global Constellation Brands emporium, and it’s now sold in hundreds of countries. Ruffino wine is the very definition of Tuscan traditions.
Wines to Try
Ruffino now produces over fifty wines under different roofs and with distinct labels. Here are some of their strongest wines — those that every wine enthusiast must experience at least once.
Ruffino Chianti Riserva DOCG
Ruffino’s classic Chianti is THE Chianti, a great ambassador for the category with tart cherries on the nose and palate and the loveliest vanilla scents in the background.
Ruffino Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG, Riserva Ducale Oro
Don’t let the long name intimidate you. This is Chianti made with 80% Sangiovese and other Chianti Classico grape varieties. Expect wild berries and dark chocolate hints over a silky but chewy palate and an infinite aftertaste.
Enjoy Ruffino at the Table
Ruffino produces many types of wines — red, white, pink and even bubbles. Still, when people talk about the famous Tuscan winery, they think of Chianti.
Chianti is the quintessential red wine made with Sangiovese and a few other grapes, and it always shows red fruit aromas, sometimes with hints of dried spices, leather, damp earth and spices.
Young Ruffino wine is best enjoyed with roasted poultry, grilled sausages and tasty but uncomplicated dishes like teriyaki chicken, meaty pasta and sticky ribs. Well-aged Chianti and those of the highest quality are best enjoyed with steaks, roasts and lamb. How do you enjoy your Ruffino wine?
