About this wine
Vineyard and terroir
The grapes come entirely from selected vineyards at Ruffino’s Gretole and Santedame estates in Castellina in Chianti. The vineyards occupy hillsides at 300–450 m above sea level, with 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
The fruit is carefully selected during harvest. Alcoholic fermentation and approximately 20 days of maceration take place in temperature-controlled stainless-steel vats, allowing gentle extraction from the skins.
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 aroma, followed by eucalyptus, black pepper and coffee bean. The palate is impressively structured, with elegant, soft tannins supported by fresh acidity.
Serving and ageing
Serve at 18 °C. The wine has the capacity to evolve over decades.
Vintage notes
The 2021 growing season brought well-distributed spring rainfall and favourable weather during harvest.
Label / history
Riserva Ducale began with the 1927 vintage as a tribute to the wine-loving Duke of Aosta. In 1947, following an exceptional vintage, Ruffino created Riserva Ducale Oro as a further selection of Riserva Ducale. The wine anticipated the concept later formalised as Chianti Classico Gran Selezione.
