🍷 Ruffino

Ruffino is a Tuscan wine company based in Pontassieve, east of Florence. According to the company, cousins Ilario and Leopoldo Ruffino founded it there in 1877, choosing a spot close to Chianti vineyards, the railway and a glass factory. In 1890 the Duke of Aosta visited Pontassieve, and the house became an official supplier to the royal household; the first bottle of Riserva Ducale, named after him, followed in 1927.

According to the company, in 1947 it bought its first estate in Chianti Classico, Montemasso, and launched Riserva Ducale Oro; with the 2010 vintage this wine became its first Chianti Classico Gran Selezione. Its estates include Poggio Casciano, Montemasso, Santedame, Gretole, Greppone Mazzi in Montalcino, La Solatìa and La Garzaia. The range covers Chianti Classico, Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino, Bolgheri, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano and Toscana IGT wines such as Modus, first made in 1997.

According to the company, in 1984 Ruffino received the first DOCG certification strip for Chianti, numbered AA00000001, and it lists seven estates in Chianti Classico, Montalcino and Bolgheri. The Chianti Classico production specification (version of 2023) requires 80% to 100% Sangiovese, and Gran Selezione at least 90%. Riserva must age at least 24 months and Gran Selezione at least 30 months, in both cases including at least three months in bottle.

Chianti Classico, Chianti and Brunello di Montalcino are protected designations of origin (PDO) listed in the EU register eAmbrosia, and Toscana is a protected geographical indication (PGI). Under EU law a PDO wine comes entirely from grapes of the defined area; for a PGI at least 85% is enough.

Why it matters to you. Chianti and Chianti Classico are two different designations with different areas; on a Ruffino label the designation, not the brand, tells you which one you have. The WHO reminds: there is no safe level of alcohol.