| BUY MORE! SAVE MORE! | ||||||||||||||||||||
|
| Country: | Italy |
| Region: | Tuscany |
| Winery: | Ruffino |
| Grape Type: | Sangiovese |
| Organic: | Yes |
| Vintage: | 2019 |
| Bottle Size: | 750 ml |
Ruffino Modus Primo Toscana IGT Italian Red Wine is the evolution of Modus, showcasing quality fruit from three Tuscan vineyards on Ruffino's Poggio Casciano Estate, each one representing the best that this centuries-old wine region terroir has to offer. This Ruffino wine opens with a bouquet of ripe cherries and orange zest, followed by layered balsamic notes and spicy hints of sweet tobacco and vanilla.
Review:
Ripe and lively in its sensory profile, it shows notes of black plums, blackberries, sage and laurel. Juniper berries describe the secondary scene. Full body, elegant and relaxed on the palate, it closes modern and captivating. Better from 2023.
-WineCritic.com 94 Points
A very savory nose of tar, leather and cigar smoke draws levity from undertones of vanilla, baking spices and dark berries. On the palate, the fruit brightens, but things stay savory overall, through a dark, bitter chocolate finish. Acid bubbles around big, chewy tannins.
-Wine Enthusiast 94 Points
Aromas of crushed stones, dark berries and blueberries follow through to a medium to full body with creamy tannins and a medium-chewy finish. Chocolate at the end. Sangiovese, cabernet sauvignon and merlot. Two or three years of bottle age will bring this around nicely. Drink after 2024.
James Suckling 94 Points
A very savory nose of tar, leather and cigar smoke draws levity from undertones of vanilla, baking spices and dark berries. On the palate, the fruit brightens, but things stay savory overall, through a dark, bitter chocolate finish. Acid bubbles around big, chewy tannins.
In 1927, Ruffino returned some of the honor bestowed upon its wines by releasing its first vintage of Riserva Ducale—named after the Duke of Aosta as an acknowledgement of his esteemed patronage. The reputation of Ruffino wines continued to spread, and Ruffino soon began to export its wines to the United States and other countries. In fact, the first Chianti imported to the U.S. was Ruffino.
Ruffino’s status was firmly establised both nationally and internationally when its Chanti won a Gold Medal at the 1881 Milan Wine Exhibition, a prise at the 1884 Nice Exhibition, and another Gold Medal at the 1885 Antwerp Exhibition. Intrigued by the winery‘s reputation, in 1890, the Duke of Aosta braved a long journey to taste the Ruffino wines he had heard so much about. He was so impressed by the wines that he appointed Ruffino as the official supplier to the Italian royal family.
After the Second World War, Ruffino purchased the first of its Tuscan estates, the Villa di Montemasso in the Chianti Classico region. Ruffino continued to invest in new vineyards and became one of the first major wineries with vineyard estates in Italy‘s three most renowned wine-producing regions - Chianti Classico, Brunello di Montalcino and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano.
Ruffino has established itself as a leader in Chianti, renowned for consistency and quality, and Ruffino Chianti has become a global ambassador of Tuscan wines around the world. Not surprisingly, when Chianti first became recognized as a DOCG wine in 1984, Ruffino Chianti DOCG was awarded the first warranty strip.
Lexicon Sauvignon Blanc is made from 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Lexicon varietal wines are carefully selected by Fran Kysela to show the essence of each variety, along with its terroir of origin, both of which are essential elements of a good wine.
Sauvignon Blanc, historically known for the great white wines of Bordeaux and Sancerre, is gaining popularity in New Zealand. Lexicon Sauvignon Blanc was produced from grapes grown in the renowned Marlborough region, on the northern end of the island. Marlborough is recognized for growing outstanding Sauvignon Blanc with mouthwatering fresh acidity, balanced by intense tropical fruit notes.
Tropical, zesty & citrusy. Hints of guava, passion fruit & gooseberries.
Baron Aime Cremant de Bourgogne Brut is made from 40% Chardonnay, 30% Pinot Noir, 30% Aligote.
Light yellow with bright reflections. The nose is fresh and lemony with subtle floral aromas, apple and citrus fruits. The mouth is fresh, delicate, tight and precise with fine bubbles that stimulate the palate nicely.
A delicious aperitif and a great match with shellfish.
Review:
Golden straw color. Aromas and flavors of brioche, green and yellow apple, dried pineapple, and lemon oil with a supple, vibrant, finely carbonated, dry medium body and a smooth, engaging, medium-long finish displaying impressions of croissant with salted butter and tart pear jam, white tea, and grapefruit peel with no oak flavor. A lovely and racy apéritif that will pair splendidly with a cheese and bread course."
- Beverage Testing Institute 93 pts - GOLD MEDAL - BEST BUY
Lambrusco Amabile Bruscus San Valentino Red is 100% Lambrusco from grapes grown in the province of Modena and Reggio Emilia.
Traditional vinification methods combined with modern technology to produce wines of guaranteed quality. After the grapes are pressed, they are transferred to fermentation tanks where the must is racked off in an average of 70 hours. The wine then completes its first rapid fermentation process and passes to the slower fermentation phase, during which time it is racked off several times to improve its clarity. The wine is placed in an autoclave at strictly controlled temperatures wherein it undergoes a second fermentation. This is known as the Charmat Method. The temperature is controlled for full development of the bouquet and for the lively and natural sparkle so characteristic of this wine.
Deep ruby red with violet reflections and a fine perlage.
Intense vinous bouquet with hints of ripe red fruits.
Lively, fresh, sweet and inviting with bright fruit and a delightful sparkle.
Excellent by itself or with desserts of dark chocolate, gorgonzola, cheesecakes.
Livia Fontana Barbera d'Alba Superiore is made from 100 percent Barbera.
Organoleptic characteristics: intense ruby red color. Fresh and intense aromas with currants and berries notes. Warm, full, rich and persistent taste, full body. Suitable for long aging.
Excellent accompaniment to warm appetizers, rich first courses, red meat and the medium-seasoned cheeses.
Ruffino Alauda Toscana IGT is made from 40% Cabernet Franc, 35% Merlot, 25% Colorino.
An elegant, full-bodied wine, Alauda is a harmonious sum of its parts. Rich with varietal flavors of plum and cherry from the Merlot and layered with ripe berry flavors from the Cabernet Franc, and unique balsamic and dark chocolate notes from the Colorino. The extended oak aging process integrates the blend while providing tertiary flavors of sweet spice and soft, elegant tannins for a lingering finish. This wine will age gracefully for decades.
Castellare di Castellina 'I Sodi di San Niccolo' Toscana IGT is a blend of Sangioveto (85%-90%) and Malvasia nera (15-10%)
Castellare’s top wine, ranked in the Wine Spectator Top 100 on multiple occasions and recognised with the prestigious Gambero Rosso’s Tre Bicchieri and Bidenda’s Cinque Grappoli ratings. The company takes great pride in demonstrating the greatness of the Sangioveto variety, paired with Malvasia Nera, achieving a worldwide position of sixth place.
Pairs well with cold cuts and meat rich in flavour, cheeses with a strong and aromatic taste, in particular, Pecorino Toscano and Parmigiano.
The masterpiece of Castellare, I Sodi di San Niccolo, has twice placed in the top 100 of Wine Spectator, and has been awarded “Three Glasses” by Il Gambero Rosso.
I Sodi di San Niccolo is produced solely with native varieties: 85-90% of Sangioveto and 10-15% of Malvasia Nera, I Sodi comes from the two best crus of the farm.
The word "I Sodi" was used by the Tuscan farmers to describe those grounds which had to be processed by hand, being too hard (in fact firm) or too steep to allow for the employment of the horses, unlike the "fields" that make the grounds more easily cultivable.
Reviews:
Clear ruby with a fine garnet sheen. Impressive nose, very finely drawn, aromas of juicy cherries, blood orange and dried thyme, some liquorice in the background. Polished and precise from the attack to the finish, finely-meshed, very well-integrated tannins, flows beautifully, finely worked out fruit, long finish.
-Falstaff 97 Points
Complex and deeply embedded aromas of ripe blackberries, spices and aromatic bark. Full-bodied and very firm for now, with impressive concentration of fruit and tannin. Very long, balanced finish. Great to taste now, but this is one for the cellar. Patience will be rewarded. Sangiovese and malvasia nera. This has always been a top Tuscan red. Best from 2027.
- James Suckling 96 Points
Super fragranced nose, patchouli, pot pourri, Turkish Delight, rose with caramelised red berries and a touch of smoke and incense - all quiet forward and expressive. The nose alone you could smell for hours such is its complexity and beguiling nature. Powerful and concentrated on the palate, this is broad and muscular, sinewy with depth and determination. Tannins are well integrated, really giving the support to the fruit and acidity, driving the flavours forward despite the clear weight and hold. Fragranced red berries continue on the palate with a touch of stone, graphite and matchstick. Rich and big on the mid palate, becoming more focussed towards the finish. Cleary well made with lots going on. Acidity is great, it's cool, clean, sleek and packed full of flavour. Almost too much, this is a big wine, so needs time, but has lots of appeal and mouthwatering freshness throughout. Released on the 9th March. Director and winemaker Alessandro Cellai.
- Decanter 96 Points
Avignonesi Desiderio Merlot Toscana IGT is made from Merlot.
Avignonesi Desiderio Merlot has an explosive olfactory impact. The wide aromatic bouquet ranges from cherry and plum jam to notes of black tea, rhubarb and graphite, with small final notes of fermented tobacco. The entrance is bursting. The palate is invested by the imposing and typical structure of Tuscan Merlot, enveloping and warm. Tastefully in symbiosis with the olfactory notes, the dense and linear tannin accompanies hints of coconut and black pepper in retrolfaction.
Review:
James Suckling 94 Points
Capezzana Ghiaie Della Furbia Toscana IGT is made from Cabernet Sauvignon 40%, Syrah 35%, Merlot 25%.
In 1979 Ugo Conti Bonacossi created Ghiaie della Furba from vineyards planted among the pebble (Ghiaie) rich soils of the Furba stream. Originally planted with clippings from the famed Chateau Lafite estate in Bordeaux, the wine was made from Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot until the blend was changed in 1998 with the addition of Syrah. The inclusion of Cabernet Franc was slowly discontinued and today the blend includes Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah and is made only in the best vintages
Review:
This wine starts with pine needles and crunchy red fruit on the nose, with wet slate, cedar and tobacco leaf slowly emerging. The palate turns richer, with cherries, blackberries, dark chocolate, a little tar, coffee and sambuca. Tannins are very firm and the acid vibrant through a long finish.
-Wine Enthusiast 93 Points
Ricudda IGT Toscana Canaiolo is made from 100% Sangiovese.
Intense ruby red with purple tints. Aromas of flowers and berries accompanied by sweet spices. Fresh and easy to drink, with intense fruity notes.
To be combined with first and second courses based on meat, cold cuts, vegetables and fresh cheeses.
First courses with game, grilled meats, fresh and aged cheeses such as pecorino.
Ruffino Romitorio di Santedame Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG is made from 90% Sangiovese, 10% Colorino.
Romitorio di Santedame, a limited-production Gran Selezione from Castellina in Chianti, pays homage to a rich history while embracing a bright future. It originates from a single vineyard within the Chianti Classico's "golden basin" (Conca d'Oro) and is crafted from an exclusive blend of Sangiovese and Colorino. The latter is a native Tuscan grape variety that was nearly extinct but has experienced a revival through dedicated research and promotion efforts.
Fruity aromas typical of Sangiovese, including black cherry and ripe plum, with violet and complex chocolate and black pepper notes. The palate offers sweet tobacco and balsamic hints, while its balanced structure with refined tannins and lively acidity makes it suitable for extended aging.
Review:
You feel the oak here, suggesting vanilla and clove character, but it’s very well complemented by the dark fruit, ranging from blackberries to mulberries to dark cherries. Full-bodied, dense and decadent with a regal structure and muscular tannin backbone. The acidity cuts nicely through on the long finish and provides freshness. Drink from 2024.
-James Suckling 94 Points
Ruby red with soft purplish reflections. Rich and complex on the nose, very reminiscent of small fruits of brambles, black cherry and a very delicate hint of softwood. On the palate it is decisive, complex and extraordinarily persistent.
Review:
Complex aromas of ripe fruit, toffee, cedar and smoke. Medium body, round and creamy tannins and a fresh, juicy finish.
-James Suckling 94 Points
Thibeaud-Maillet Pomerol is made from 100 percent Merlot
Deep ruby with black rim. The nose is spicy, with blackberry, cherry, vanilla, chocolate and a delicate oak presence.
The wine is balanced, the tannins are present, but well integrated and round.
The finish is long and pleasant.
Harvest is done manually and the berries are selected with optical sorting before entering the cellar. Fermentations are carried out at controlled temperature with 3 to 4 weeks of skin contact. Once the malolactic fermentation is completed; the wines are put into barrels (50% new) and aged for 12 months. The estate uses three barrels from three different coopers: Vicard (Charentes)supplying most of the barrels with medium toast and a fine grain, Cadius from Burgundy supplies also fine grain/ medium toasts barrels and last but not least Sylvain, a local cooper is used for three barriques a year, those bring a bit more austerity but also a certain backbone to the blend.
Aged in French oak barrels for 15 months (50% new oak).
Delicious with grilled meat and grilled vegetables.
Review:
Spice, ripe cherry, dark plum, paprika and tobacco aromas. Medium- to full-bodied with tight-grained tannins, compact fruit and a long, firm finish. Drink from 2027.
-James Suckling 92 Points