About this wine
Vineyard and terroir
The grapes are grown in selected Ruffino estate vineyards at Gretole and Santedame, in the heart of Castellina in Chianti. The 2021 technical profile places the vineyards at 300–450 m on deep, well-drained hillside soils rich in shale and limestone. Gretole itself is characterized by rolling, arid and rocky terrain with marl and galestro, together with long, dry summers.
Grapes
The 2021 blend 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, 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, followed by 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 firmly structured, with elegant, soft tannins supported by fresh acidity.
Serving and pairing
Serve at 18 °C.
Vintage notes
The 2021 season combined well-distributed spring rainfall with favourable conditions during harvest.
Label / history
Riserva Ducale began with the 1927 vintage as a tribute to the Duke of Aosta. Riserva Ducale Oro followed in 1947, created as an additional selection from Riserva Ducale after an exceptional harvest and anticipating the later Gran Selezione concept. The gold-labelled wine has the capacity to develop over decades. The 2010 vintage became Ruffino’s first release formally classified as Gran Selezione.
