2012 Ruffino Aziano Chianti Classico

Yesterday evening I had the pleasure of participating in another Snooth Virtual Tasting, a great opportunity to taste wines with other wine fans while listening to winemakers talking about their products.  This tasting was all about the wonderful Chiantis produced by Ruffino, a maker that's been producing Chianti since 1877.  We tasted four wines that made up a vertical by vintage (2010-2013) and by price (from $8 to $40).  Given my dinner tonight, I've decided to review the second of the group, the 2012 Ruffino Aziano Chianti Classico, a blend of Sangiovese (80%) with the balance made up of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.

The wine is a bright ruby color in the glass with great clarity and somewhat lighter body which is typical of Chianti.  The nose exhibits notes of green herbs and tart cherries with light undertones of leather and tar.  The taste is very fruit forward with notes of raspberries and plum with bright acidity that transitions to some tart cherry midpalate.  The finish is quite nice, with some well structured tannins supporting a smooth dry finish that lingers.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 8, it's a very easy drinking wine at a value price of around $12.  Tonight I am pairing this with pizza and a baby arugula and radicchio salad!  Yes, this is an ideal pizza wine, as the nice fruit and bright acidity are ideal complements to the richness of the cheese and toppings of a nice pizza.  Stay tuned for reviews of the other four wines in the coming days.  Cin Cin!