Ruffino Riserva Ducale Oro Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2017
Tuscany, ItalyThe Riserva Ducale Oro has been made only in the best years since its inception in 1947. 2017 mixes 83/12/5 sangiovese/merlot/colorino, spending 12 months in concrete, 12 months in large Slavonian oak casks, and 12 months in used barriques. I love the aromatic forest floor cedar notes with muted plum, black cherry, and spice. It is a food wine in the best sense of the phrase and almost any fall dish grilled over a fire would be acceptable. Drink or hold through 2025.Tasted: 12 August 2022Tasted by: Prices:
Ruffino Riserva Ducale Oro Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2017
Tuscany, ItalyRiserva Ducale Oro, first released in 1947, is produced only in the best years. This year's blend of 83% sangiovese, 12% merlot, and 5% colorino comes from the Ruffino estates of Gretole and Santedame, in the heart of Castellina in Chianti. After a stainless primary ferment, with MLF in concrete, this remained in concrete for 1 year, followed by 1 year in large Slavonian oak casks, and 1 year in older barriques prior to bottling. Expressive and layered, with dried herbs, fresh and dried cherry, kirsch, wild plum, old paper on a savoury, salted, textural palate. Stony bright acidity holds this aloft, while long, fine knit tannins frame through the lingering mineral driven finish. Very elegant and refined, this is drinking beautifully now, and with time ahead.Tasted: 20 August 2022Tasted by: Prices:
Ruffino Riserva Ducale Oro Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2017
Tuscany, ItalySince its first vintage in 1947, dating before the introduction of the Gran Selezione classification, the Riserva Ducale Oro has only been produced in select vintages. The 2017 vintage blends sangiovese (83 percent), merlot (12 percent), and colorino (5 percent), going from 12 months in concrete vats, to 12 months in large Slavonian casks, to 12 months in used barriques, easily exceeding the minimum 30 months of aging required by Gran Selezione. The aromatic, woodsy nose shows cedar, herbs, forest floor, graphite, macerated cherries, subtle florals, and delicate spices. It’s an impressive, firmly structured wine with concentration and complexity that is well above the norm. However, at this point, its appeal is more about savoury, tertiary complexity over fresh fruit. Drinking well now, but with the potential to enjoy over the next 4-5 years.Tasted: 05 September 2022Tasted by: Prices:
quicksearch
