Ruffino

Ruffino
Tuscany, Italy

Based in Florence, this mega 600 hectares estate dates back to the late 18th century when it was founded by Ilario and Leopoldo Ruffino. Today this family owned the Marco and Paolo Folonari families’ own estate. It is managed by brothers Luigi and Adolfo, Marco’s sons, with Luigi in large of the local market, whereas Adolfo looks after exports to more than 80 countries.

The 8 Rufino estates make some 70% red wines, with 20% white wines, while 10% sweet. Grape varietal planted throughout this massive estate includes the following: Colorino, Prugnolo Gentile, Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Pinot Nero, Canaiolo, Trebbiano, Grechetto, and Vernaccia.

Ruffino’s common wine offerings and bottling is summarized into the following:

Galestro Griffe: First bottled in 1990, Galestro is the name of a rock and is made up of mainly Trebbiano and Chardonnay planted on the hills of Tuscany.

Lumina: First bottled in 2002, a 100% Pinot Grigio from its Borgo Conventi estate in Friuli Venezia Giulia.

Libaio: A 100% Chardonnay from south west facing vineyards in its La Solatia Estate, located near the of Monteriggioni.

Chianti Classico Riserva Ducale Oro: Bottled since 1947, majority Sangiovese, plus other red varieties comes from 30 year old vineyards from its Ruffino estates of Santedame, Montemasso and Gretole. After some 22 days of fermentation, the wine is aged for 30 months in oak, prior to bottling and release.

Chianti Classico Riserva: Predominantly Sangiovese, with other red varieties from the vineyards of the Ruffino estates Santedame, Montemasso and Gretole. After 24 days of fermentation, the wine is then aged for 24 months in a mix of oak and stainless steel vats before bottling and release.

Aziano Chianti Classico: Predominantly Sangiovese from vineyards in the Chianti Classico area. After 2 weeks fermentation, the wine is aged for 8 months in a mix of stainless steel vats, large oak cask prior to bottling and release.

IL Chianti Superiore: Predominantly Sangiovese from vineyards in Chianti, mainly belonging to the Poggio Casciano Estate. 21 days fermentation, with initial aging in stainless steel vats, refined and then released.

Ruffino Chianti: The product’s most common offering and bottling is made up of predominantly Sangiovese. After 2 weeks fermentation, the wine is then refined and bottled for early export and consumption.

IL Ducale: A typical blend of 60% Sangiovese, 25% Merlot, and 15% Syrah from its estate vineyards. Some 18 days after fermentation, the wine is then aged for 12 months in barriques, before bottling and release.

Modus: A Supertuscan blend from 30 year old vines consisting of 50% Sangiovese, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 25% Merlot from the vineyards of the Poggio Casciano Estate and from other selected vineyards of the Ruffino estates in Tuscany. The 3 varietals are fermented separately for 14 days, with another 12 months in French oak, 6 months in bottle before refined, bottled and release.

Alauda Rosso di Montepulciano: Predominantly Sangiovese, the wine is sourced from its Lodola Nuova Estate vineyards. 15 days fermentation, it is shortly bottled and release.

Fonte Al Sole: A blend of Sangiovese and Cabernet from vineyards grown in the Tuscan hills. With 2 weeks of fermentation, the wine is then blended and refined in stainless steel vats before bottling and release.

Torgaio: Predominantly Sangiovese from vineyards located in the hills of Tuscany. After about two weeks in stainless-steel vats, the wine rests in stainless-steel vats before bottling and release.

In general, Ruffino wines are priced within reach to the average wine consumer. While maintaining and exporting a large variety, most wine lovers tend to associate Ruffino with this better known Chiantis.

Contact Details:
Ruffino
Via Aretina 42/44
I-50065 Pontassieve (FI)
Italy
Phone: +39 0558 3605
Fax: +39 05 5831 3677
Website: www.ruffino.com

Further Reading:
Altas of Wineries
Carlorussowine
Charton Hobbs
Vino.com
Vinarium Italy
Wine Review Online
Wine.com
WS: Tuscan Grower Investigated in Alleged Chianti Classico Fraud
WS: Ruffino of Tuscany Buys Estate in Italy’s Friuli Region
WS: Italy’s Folonari Family Buys Brunello Estate
WS: Owners of Ruffino Buy Estate in Tuscany’s Bolgheri Region
WS: Ruffino’s Family Owners Split Tuscan Holdings
WS: Ruffino Unveils New Super Tuscan Red

2001 Ruffino (Nero Del Tondo) Toscana IGT
Italy, Tuscany

05042008. 13.0%. 100% Pinot Noir. Bottled since 1985, the wine is made from the vineards of Poggio Casciano Estate located in the Chianti Colli Fiorentini area. After 3 weeks in stainless steel, the wine is then aged for 12 months in French oak before bottling and refined. It’s clean and refined, with aromas of licorice, vanilla and rich red fruit. Light to medium-bodied, with a slight tannic attack, well balanced by alcohol, flavors of cherry, raspberry and strawberry, a mix of red fruit combustion. Light finish. Drink between 2008 to 2013.

.

Photograph and text by Daniel. Hit us with your best shots; we’ll try our best to listen. Send your inquiries or comments here or via email to jiuwine@gmail.com.