2011 Ruffino Riserva Ducale Chianti Classico Riserva

This was the third wine in the recent Snooth.com virtual tasting, the 2011 Ruffino Riserva Ducale Chianti Classico Riserva, a wine that's been produced by Ruffino since 1927.  This particular wine is a blend of Sangiovese (80%) with the balance Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, aged for 24 months before bottling and then aged a further 3 months before release.  This is also the only Chianti that has "Riserva" in it's name, hence the riserva riserva connotation!

The wine itself is a lovely garnet color in the glass with great clarity and a bit heavier appearance than the two previous wines we tasted.  The nose has a definite fruity characteristic that borders on "jammy" with aromas of ripe berries and cherry compote along with some rustic earthy notes of oak and peat.  The taste is very fruit forward, but not nearly as jammy as the nose would suggest, instead it's laden with tart cherry and red currant that transitions nicely to some mineral notes midpalate.  The tannins are nicely structured and balanced perfectly against the bright acidity to make for a long, smooth dry finish.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 8, as it's a beautiful example of a riserva Chianti at a stellar price of about $20.  This wine would be great with a classic Tuscan ragu, or almost any hearty Italian pasta dish.  Tonight I am enjoying this one with some linguine and hot Italian sausage with onions and peppers, what better way to enjoy a hearty Saturday night?  Cin Cin!