For the month of September, I have chosen Ruffino’s Riserva Ducale Oro, Chianti Classico Gran Selezione, 2019. This classic Sangiovese is available at Clinton Wine & Spirits and can probably be had a most wine stores at the medium to high end of Billy’s price range. The ’19s are out now, but you may still be able to get ’18s or ’17s, which would be even better. It is definitely drinkable now, but will continue to improve for at least 5 more years (if you can wait that long). Most quality Gran Seleziones are at the high end of Steve’s price range and need to be cellared for 2-5 years before they’re really drinkable. Ruffino makes an affordable Chianti Classico that does not require cellaring in order to enjoy.
Like all Chianti Classicos, this wine is 100% Sangiovese grown in soil somewhere between Florence (Firenze) and Siena, in one of 11 UGAs (the Italian version of an AVA – American Vinicultural Area, a unique microclimate). According to Italian Wine Law, only the best grapes can be declared a Gran Selezione (usually the top 5%) and must be barrel aged for at least 30 months before bottling. So, any time you see a DOCG Chianti Classico Gran Selezione, you know you are getting a very good, and usually more expensive, wine. All Sangiovese wines pair well with tomato based pasta courses. They also do well with Italian cheeses, like mozzarella, and most veal dishes. The Caprese Salad is a perfect starter for a 3 or 4 course Italian meal that features a bottle of Chianti Classico wine.
As far as tasting notes goes, both mine and theirs, “The wine expresses a distinctive Tuscan bouquet of violet, cherry, and plum, with aromas of chocolate and spice. It also has intriguing notes of cinnamon and clove. Classic elegance and structure in which the fruit, tannins, and spices form a tightly woven balance, with a lingering finish of chocolate and coffee” are what you will find in this wine (from Ruffino). It is medium to full-bodied with plenty of structure. “Flavorful and intense” is how James Suckling describes the 2019, which he rates a 94. Most of the other major wine rating companies, including WS, rate the Riserva Ducale Oro, Chianti Classico Gran Selezione somewhere in the low to mid 90’s, depending on the year. It is a reliable, ready to drink, classic Italian Sangiovese wine.
That will do it for this post. Next time, I will give you another Food & Wine (Restaurant) pairing. Be sure to check it out. Cheers!