About this wine
Vineyard and terroir
Riserva Ducale Oro is produced entirely from selected Ruffino estate vineyards at Gretole and Santedame in Castellina in Chianti. The hillside sites lie at 300–450 metres above sea level and have deep, freely draining soils rich in shale and limestone.
Grapes
Latest published vintage (2021): 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, allowing gentle extraction.
Ageing
Total maturation lasts 30 months. Sangiovese spends 12 months in large Slavonian oak casks, while Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon mature in barriques and tonneaux. After blending, the wine continues ageing in concrete vats and receives at least three months in bottle.
Tasting profile
Ruby red with garnet highlights. Intense cherry, plum and violet lead into eucalyptus, black pepper and coffee-bean nuances. The palate has substantial structure, balanced acidity and elegant, supple tannins.
Serving and pairing
Serve at 18 °C.
Vintage notes
The 2021 growing season brought evenly distributed spring rainfall and optimal conditions during harvest.
Label / history
Riserva Ducale began in 1927 as a tribute to the Duke of Aosta. In 1947, Ruffino marked an exceptional vintage by creating Riserva Ducale Oro as an additional selection of Riserva Ducale, anticipating the later Gran Selezione concept. The wine is associated with Castellina in Chianti and is designed for development over decades.