Ruffino Riserva Ducale Oro Chianti Classico
Ruffino Riserva Ducale Oro Chianti Classico is the flagship red of the house of Ruffino — a Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG at 14.5% ABV, 750mL, made only in select vintages from the historic Gretole and Santedame estate vineyards in Castellina in Chianti. Created in 1947, Riserva Ducale Oro was the illustrious forerunner of what became the Gran Selezione category. It's available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 14.5%
- Size: 750mL
- Classification: Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG (top tier of Chianti Classico)
- Estates: Gretole and Santedame, Castellina in Chianti, Tuscany
- Aging: ~36 months — concrete vats, large Slavonian oak casks, aged barriques, then bottle aging
- Producer: Ruffino SRL, Pontassieve, Tuscany — founded 1877
- Selection: made only in select vintages, when the house is confident of flagship standards
A Flagship Born for a Duke
Ruffino was founded in 1877 in Pontassieve near Florence by cousins Ilario and Leopoldo Ruffino. "Riserva Ducale" was created for the Duke of Aosta, who fell in love with the wine in the late 1800s — the duke's portrait still graces the iconic label. Riserva Ducale Oro, created in 1947, was the flagship and forerunner of the Gran Selezione category, which requires estate-grown or winery-controlled grapes and mandates long aging: Oro spends roughly 12 months in concrete vats, 12 in large Slavonian oak casks, and 12 in older barriques, then rests in bottle — about a year longer than the law demands. Producer notes describe ruby red with garnet reflections, intense cherry, plum, and violet with eucalyptus, coffee bean, and black pepper — full-bodied, dense and velvety tannins, a long savory finish with spicy, balsamic notes. Browse more Chianti and red wine at Del Mesa, or explore the house range at Ruffino.
Tasting Notes
Per producer materials: ruby red with garnet reflections. Intense notes of cherry, plum, and violet, with hints of eucalyptus, coffee beans, and black pepper. Full-bodied with elegant, dense, velvety tannins and a spicy vein; long, savory finish with spicy and balsamic notes.
How to Enjoy
Serve at 18–20°C (64–68°F) with an hour of decanting — the tannins reward air. This is a longevity wine (10–15 years) that drinks beautifully now with roasted meats, wild boar ragù, or aged pecorino.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Riserva Ducale Oro?
Ruffino's flagship Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG, created in 1947 — the forerunner of the Gran Selezione category.
What does Gran Selezione mean?
The top tier of Chianti Classico DOCG, requiring estate-grown or winery-controlled grapes and extended aging.
How is Riserva Ducale Oro aged?
Roughly 36 months — concrete vats, large Slavonian oak casks, aged barriques — plus bottle aging before release.
What does it taste like?
Cherry, plum, and violet with eucalyptus, coffee bean, and black pepper; full-bodied with velvety tannins and a long savory finish.
For the Chianti cellar cornerstone, order Ruffino Riserva Ducale Oro Chianti Classico online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.