Ruffino Chianti Superiore 2018

This Chianti Superiore is crafted from grapes grown in the Chianti Region in Tuscany. These grapes ripen more fully and develop a greater concentration of ripe cherry flavors resulting in a well balanced wine, with a soft, lingering finish.

70% Sangiovese, 30% other varietals such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. 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. Chianti Superiore was recently introduced into Ruffinos portfolio and represents a precious complement to the winerys rich Chianti selection, reinterpreted in a new style which reflects the demanding taste of the modern consumer. Chianti Superiore is produced by grapes selected in low yield vineyards located in the Chianti area. No more that 7 tons of grapes per hectare are cultivated in these vineyards. Such a yield is even lower than the one produced in most Chianti Classico vineyards.