Ruffino Modus
Ruffino Modus is a full-bodied Super Tuscan red wine — a blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot from Ruffino's Poggio Casciano estate in the Chianti hills near Florence, aged about 12 months in French oak barriques. "Modus" is Latin for "method," and the wine is Ruffino's contemporary reinterpretation of Tuscany's flagship blend, first released in 1997. Order it online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- Style: Super Tuscan red blend — Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot (44/37/19 per the 2018 brand sheet; ratios shift by vintage)
- Size: 750mL — vintage and ABV per bottle label
- Origin: Poggio Casciano estate, Chianti hills, Tuscany, Italy — clay, limestone, and silt soils, 290–450 m altitude
- Aging: ~12 months in French barriques, minimum 3 months bottle age
- House: Ruffino, founded 1877 in Pontassieve near Florence
Tuscany, the Modern Method
The Modus story starts in the mid-1990s on Ruffino's Poggio Casciano estate — hillside vineyards with sun exposures and microclimates varied enough to ripen both native Sangiovese and Bordeaux varieties in the same blend. The result pairs Sangiovese's cherry brightness with Cabernet structure and Merlot roundness, fermented in temperature-controlled steel then raised in French oak. Critics have noticed: Modus landed in Wine Spectator's Top 100 in 2010 and routinely draws 90+ scores. Browse more from Ruffino or explore wine.
Tasting Notes
Intense ruby red with an intriguing bouquet of blackberries and dried flowers that opens into cinnamon and clove. Rich and enduring on the palate with soft tannins and impressive structure — the brand's own notes cite plum, chocolate, and a persistent spice finish.
How to Enjoy
Decant 30 minutes and serve at 60–65°F. Built for grilled meats, roast lamb, hearty pasta, and aged hard cheeses like Parmigiano-Reggiano.
Frequently Asked Questions
What grapes are in Ruffino Modus?
A Sangiovese-led blend with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot — the classic Super Tuscan formula. Exact proportions shift by vintage; check the back label for the release in hand.
What does Super Tuscan mean?
A modern Tuscan red that breaks DOCG rules by blending Sangiovese with non-native varieties like Cabernet and Merlot, labeled under the IGT Toscana designation.
Should I decant it?
Yes — 30 minutes of air softens the tannins and lets the spice and fruit notes open fully.
Ruffino's modern Tuscan method — order Modus online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.