About this wine
Vineyard and terroir
The fruit comes entirely from selected vineyards on the Gretole and Santedame estates in Castellina in Chianti. The vineyards lie at 300–450 m above sea level on deep, well-drained hilly ground rich in shale and limestone. At Santedame, vines grow on steep, south-facing slopes in the Conca d’Oro, with dry, windswept galestro at the surface and pronounced day-to-night temperature changes in the vineyard’s highest sector.
Grapes
The latest published vintage, 2021, is composed of 80% Sangiovese, 10% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Colorino.
Vinification
The grapes are carefully selected during harvest. Alcoholic fermentation and approximately 20 days of maceration take place in temperature-controlled stainless-steel vats, 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. Once assembled, the blend ages in concrete vats, followed by at least three months in bottle.
Tasting profile
Ruby red with garnet highlights. The bouquet opens with intense cherry, plum and violet, followed by eucalyptus, black pepper and coffee bean. The palate has impressive structure, elegant soft tannins and supporting acidity.
Serving and pairing
Serve at 18 °C.
Vintage notes
The 2021 growing season brought well-distributed spring rainfall and optimal weather during harvest.
Label / history
Riserva Ducale began in 1927 as a tribute to the wine-loving 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 presented as an expression of the elegant, structured identity of the Castellina in Chianti subzone and has the capacity to mature for decades.
A collectible edition named Riserva Ducale Oro: The Gold Fever was issued in 1,877 magnums. It is dedicated to The Gold Fever, an artwork in the Oro by Ruffino collection created by Officine Saffi Lab.