Ruffino Riserva Ducale Oro
From the Ruffino estates in the Chianti Classico region, Ruffino Riserva Ducale Oro is an Italian Chianti. For this review, we tasted the 2008 vintage.
Joining me were two close friends. We’ve each tasted several Chiantis before and we were looking forward to providing a very detailed review of this one.
According to their website, Ruffino Riserva Ducale Oro was first produced in 1947. Additionally, they say “…the House of Ruffino has searched continuously for the ideal Ruffino wine. In the years after World War II, this research led to the creation of Riserva Ducale Oro, as a natural development of the Riserva Ducale…”
Alcohol content of Ruffino Riserva Ducale Oro is 13.5% by volume, per the bottle.
Ruffino Riserva Ducale Oro Review
Sample received for review purposes.
In appearance, this wine has a Burgundy depth of color and we thought it was a bit darker than an average Chianti. We characterized it as dark garnet with a jem like rim.
Legs were slow to develop in the glass, but certainly present.
We noticed a good “sting in the nose” which carried forth the wine’s intense aroma. It wasn’t fruity at all. Aromas of wood and tobacco along with some oak where noted.
We found the Ruffino Riserva Ducale Oro to be a smooth tasting wine that had less sharpness than other Chianti’s we’ve tasted. One person thought there was a metallic hint while another noted “mid swallow tannins.”
Speaking of the tannins, they were felt on the tongue for some and all over the mouth for another. There was an opinion that the tannins were a bit young and that this wine should be allowed to age for a few years. Mouthfeel was described as rough cotton.
Finish of the Ruffino Riserva Ducale Oro was considered medium by all three of us.
Overall, we all liked this wine. We decided that this wine was most enjoyable with its first sip. There was an initial burst of complex flavors that didn’t occur if you took sips shortly after the first.
In order to best enjoy this wine, we recommend that you let your palate settle or rest for a few minutes between sips. We also noticed that fresh pours from the bottle exhibited the above mentioned flavor burst vs. allowing the wine to sit in your glass. We attributed this to the rare occasion where letting the wine aerate doesn’t enhance the taste. Crazy? Well, that’s why we call it Honest Wine Reviews. We speak the truth!
Lastly, after the tasting, we paired this wine with warmed French bread and cheddar cheese. We felt the acidity balanced out the food quite well, so don’t hesitate to enjoy this wine with food.
Ruffino Riserva Ducale Oro price $29.99.
