Ruffino Chianti 2020

Ruby red. Ruffino Chianti DOCG is an approachable, easy-drinking wine that has predominantly fruity and floral aromatics, with hints of spice and hazelnut. On the palate, Chianti DOCG is soft with a medium body and has a nice balance, displaying pleasantly fruity characteristics. As a young Sangiovese, Ruffino Chianti pairs beautifully with a variety of traditional Italian dishes such as ravioli, margherita pizza, or beef carpaccio. Its low alcohol and bright acidity make it a great pairing for international favorites such as a classic hamburger or tacos.

A minimum of 70% Sangiovese, 30% other red varietals admitted by DOCG codes of production such as Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Ruffino was founded in 1877 by two cousins, Ilario and Leopoldo, in order to sell and export Tuscan wines and olive oils. The cousins set up warehousing, cellars, and a distribution center at Pontassieve, a picturesque town 12 miles east of Florence on the Sieve River. Ilario and Leopoldo purchased raw local wines and produced a limited amount themselves. They cellared, finished, bottled, and sold all of these wines under the Ruffino name. They also traveled the country to find finished wines that were suitable for extended aging. Ruffino became known for its mature, clean, balanced wines. Its status was firmly established both nationally and internationally when its chianti won a gold medal at the 1881 Milan Wine Exhibition, a prize at the 1884 Nice Exhibition, and another gold medal at the 1885 Antwerp Exhibition. In 1913, the estate was sold to the Folonari brothers. The Folonaris then reorganized the business, enlarged the Pontassieve facilities, and concentrated on the winery's commercial potential. By 1930, Ruffino was the largest business in Tuscany and the largest family-owned wine business in Italy. Today, more than 135 years after its founding and over 85 years after the release of Riserva Ducale, Ruffino continues to express the history and heritage of Italy with every bottle of wine released.