This Wine Named For Italian Royalty Has Been Chianti’s Gold Standard For 100 Years
Ruffino’s renowned Riserva Ducale Oro is named after the Italian Duke who wanted it all for himself back in 1890.
In the annals of Tuscan chianti the name Ruffino Riserva Ducale is justly revered. In 1890 Ruffino became official supplier of the legendary wine to the Italian Royal Family following a visit by the Duke of Aosta, who declared that only bluebloods should drink it—and promptly reserved all of the future production for himself and his titled family. In 1927, to celebrate their 50th anniversary, Ruffino brought out a new bottling of the much-lauded wine, called Riserva Ducale in his honor, that was finally available to the public.
The Italian monarchy formally ended its reign in 1946, but this fabulous wine lived on as Tuscany’s gold standard for chianti. And 1947 a truly fantastic vintage caused the creation of an even more ennobled version, dubbed Riserva Ducale Oro, with a signature gold label that soon became a legend in its own right and remains Ruffino’s flagship wine to this day—which the brand recently celebrated with the ORObyRUFFINO exhibition and party in Milan, further burnishing its eminence and prestige.
“Heralding the concept of Gran Selezione wine”—aka the best of the best, in line with France’s Grand Cru—”ahead of its time,” Riserva Ducale Oro, served in the finest restaurants around the world, has a “potential for decades of aging is matched only by its historical significance,” Ruffino notes. Its 80% Sangiovese, 20% Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and other complementary grapes come from select vineyards in Gretole and Santedame, nestled in the heart of Castellina in Chianti.
As for tasting notes, it delivers “intense cherry, plum, and violet notes on the nose, leading to a complex bouquet with hints of eucalyptus, chocolate, and black pepper,” Ruffino says. “It has a strong structure with elegant tannins, good acidity, and a finish marked by sweet tobacco, balsamic notes, and plum.” Today one out of every three bottles of Chianti Classico Gran Selezione opened in the world is Riserva Ducale Oro.
In Milan Ruffino, which is now owned by Constellation Brands, celebrated its iconic wine with an exhibition and VIP party dedicated to the theme of the gold of the label. Six renowned contemporary artists created golden works of art at Dazi Milano in Piazza Sempione during Milan Design Week. Among the highlights were Filippo Caradini golden mirrored cabinet, Ettore Marinelli’s golden Dionysius sculpture called “Oro Fuso,” Rachel Lee Hovnanian’s marble table with gold accents, and Officine Saffi Lab’s reflective ceramic form called “The Gold Fever.”
During the Design Week event Ruffino also set up a bar serving gold-inspired cocktails created by Rome’s Drink Kong, named one of the world’s best bars. The brand has come a long way in its 150 years. Ruffino’s wines, which also includes Super Tuscans, white wines, rosé and a collection of high-quality prosecco, are now distributed in nearly 90 countries. The portfolio is known for its consistent quality and rich, fruity flavors, while it’s wine estates, such as the famed Montemasso, centered on a stone castle in the heart of Chianti, are second to none.
Montemasso’s castle boasts magnificent views of Florence and a history that dates back centuries. The main building was originally built by the friars of San Miniato friars and named for the saint San Salvatore da Montemasso. The accompanying tower belonging to the old monastery dates to the 11th century. Perhaps most intriguing of all, Castello di Montemasso is also home to a natural stone chamber where extremely rare and valuable vintages of the very best Ruffino wines are kept.
“These properties are part of Tuscany’s history and tradition, elegance and charm, nature and mastery of wine,” the brand notes. “Noble villas, farms and turreted castles: every estate has a singular soundtrack in the harmonious dialog between humans and wine…. Over the years, the company has acquired some of the most sought-after vineyards and estates in Tuscany’s top wine regions: Chianti Classico, Brunello di Montalcino and Chianti.”
Nor is the company merely mired in the past. In 2018 they introduced an experiential hub on the Poggio Casciano Estate which includes a restaurant, a boutique hotel and a wine bar which has changed the face of Tuscan enotourism. Second only to Riserva Ducale Oro is Ruffino’s Modus Super Tuscan. Ruffino also produces a range of red, white, and rosé wines that “showcase the unique terroir of the Tuscany region.” Deeply committed to sustainable winemaking practices, many of Ruffino’s vineyards are certified organic.
Seen as a global ambassador of Tuscan wines around the world, Ruffino was the very first Chianti exported to the USA. “Our legacy thrives on mindful, sustainable practices that set the gold standard,” the brand declares. “Grounded in history, our gaze is fixed firmly on the present and future. Tradition and innovation converge in every bottle, embodying heritage and foresight…. Ruffino is more than a name, it’s a testament to enduring brilliance. Each sip captures timeless craftsmanship and the promise of what lies ahead.”
“Much like the visionary pursuits of Ilario and Leopoldo Ruffino”—who founded the company in 1877–”the heart of Ruffino today beats with a resolute dedication to innovation and refinement. This commitment is aimed at crafting exceptional wines that encapsulate the zenith of Chianti Classico’s character and the quintessence of Tuscany’s foremost winemaking regions. Our ethos and wines serve as testaments to meticulous quality showcased by sustainable techniques and practices, celebrating the very essence of Ruffino’s enduring legacy.”
To put it contemporary terms, Ruffino Riserva Ducale Oro “is not only oenological excellence, but also serves as a bridge between Italian creativity and value-based heritage,” the brand proudly intones. “It is a point that unites past traditions with the best practices in the present, paying tribute to the riches, cultural variety, and design mastery of Italy.”
“Ruffino is writing an exciting new chapter in its history, which elevates the entrepreneurial dream and the pioneering approach of our founder back in 1877 and which aspires to iconic Italian design and the beauty that it is capable of evoking,” remarked Sandro Sartor, President, and CEO of Ruffino at the Milan event. “Now, like then, the protagonist of this change is Riserva Ducale Oro.” We’ll drink to that.
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