Questo vino
Vineyard and terroir
Riserva Ducale Oro is produced entirely from selected vineyards at Ruffino’s Gretole and Santedame estates in Castellina in Chianti. The hillside sites stand at 300–450 m above sea level and have deep, well-drained soils rich in shale and limestone.
Grapes
The latest published vintage, 2021, is 80% Sangiovese, 10% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Colorino.
Vinification
Grapes are carefully selected during harvest. Alcoholic fermentation and maceration take place in temperature-controlled stainless-steel vats for approximately 20 days, pursuing gentle extraction.
Ageing
Total ageing lasts 30 months. Sangiovese spends 12 months in large Slavonian oak casks, while Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon mature in barriques and tonneaux. Once assembled, the wine continues ageing in concrete vats and receives at least three months in bottle.
Tasting profile
Ruby red with garnet highlights. Cherry, plum and violet lead the bouquet, followed by eucalyptus, black pepper and coffee bean. The palate is imposing yet elegant, with soft tannins supported by fresh acidity.
Serving and pairing
Serve at 18 °C. The wine has the capacity to develop over decades.
Vintage notes
The 2021 vintage benefited from well-distributed rainfall during spring and optimal weather during harvest.
Label / history
Riserva Ducale originated in 1927 as a tribute to the Duke of Aosta. In 1947, Ruffino marked an exceptional vintage by creating Riserva Ducale Oro as a further selection of Riserva Ducale, anticipating the later Gran Selezione concept. A separate collectible edition dedicated to Officine Saffi Lab’s artwork “The Gold Fever” was released exclusively as 1,877 magnums.
