Modern interpretations of a historical territory

On the label of Modus the rose of the winds is intertwined with the elements which form the soul of a great wine:

the vine    -      the sun    -    the soil    -     the life

the time    -     the fruit    -     the manner    -    the wine

In this special wine the Sangiovese from the Chianti hills encounters two international grape varieties which have found a new home in Tuscany, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Modus was first produced in 1997 from grapes selected in the vineyards of the Tuscan Estates of Ruffino. It was not, though, a new wine in the real sense of the term. Ruffino had, in fact, been experimenting with the coltivation of non-traditional grape varieties on Tuscan soil since the eighties. Some of the most encouraging results had been obtained with Cabernet and Merlot.

The priviledge of possessing vineyards in the most important vine growing areas of Tuscany has provided Ruffino with the opportunity to find the ideal locations to cultivate these varieties. For this reason, on almost every Ruffino estate a small part of the vineyards have been dedicated to Cabernet and Merlot.

The style of Modus reflects the marvellous complexity of the beautiful Tuscan territory. The success this wine has encountered in its short lifetime makes it a noble representative of the values which have made Tuscany one of the most cherished areas of the world - for its wines - for its culture - for its people.

In Modus the Sangiovese presents its solid structure and typical cherry and red berry aromas; the Merlot contributes with its characteristic smoothness, enriched by delicate notes of mint and small black berry fruits; the Cabernet Sauvignon seals the union between these 3 royal varieties with its austerity, with its sweet, herbaceous perfumes and its elegance.   

Complex, yet simple at the same time, modern in style, yet with a distinct Tuscan character, Modus is a child of the union of Ruffino's century-long winemaking experience and the company's desire to renew itself by experimenting with new varietal expressions and new viticultural technologies. This has always been a Ruffino trademark. 

Modus is an exercise in style, in experience, in the will to improve.

• 91/100 - Wine Spectator (USA)

• 4 bunches - Duemilavini AIS 2010 (Italia)

• 90/100 - Wine Enthusiast (USA)

MODUS 2005

• Wine of the day- Wine Spectator

• 2 bicchieri rossi (2 red glasses) - Gambero Rosso guide "Vini d'Italia" 2008

• 3 Stars - Premium Select Wine Challenge 2007

• 90/100 Wine Enthusiast

• Commended - Decanter World Wine Awards 2008

• 17.5/20, 4 bottiglie (4 bottles) - L' Espresso 2009
• Excellent Value, 4 Stars - Restaurant Wine

MODUS 2004

• 91/100 -  Smart Buy - The Wine Spectator
• 3 bicchieri (3 glasses) - Gambero Rosso guide"Vini d'Italia" 2008
• 91/100 - Gismondionwine.com
• Silver medal - Wine and Spirit Competition 2007
• Silver medal - Decanter World Wine Awards 2007
• 91/100 - Wine Access
• Bronze Medal - International Wine Challenge 2007
• 92/100, Supertrestelle (Super 3 stars) - I Vini di Veronelli 2008
• 16.5/20, 4 bottiglie (4 bottles) - Guida l'Espresso 2008
• 91/100, Highly recommended - Food Arts

MODUS 2003

• 2 bicchieri rossi (2 red glasses) - Gambero Rosso guide "Vini d'Italia" 2007
• 4 grappoli - Italian Sommelier Association guide "Duemilavini" 2007
• 3 stelle (3 stars) - I Vini di Veronelli 2007
• 89/100 - Wine Enthusiast
• 87/100 - Wine News
• 91/100 - Wine & Spirits Magazine
• 4.5/5 - Scranton Times Tribune
• Menzione Speciale - Selezione dei Vini di Toscana 2007

MODUS 2001

• 90/100 Wine Spectator
• I migliori Vini d'Italia (Italy's Best Wines - guide Luca Maroni 2004
• Bronze Medal - Decanter World Wine Awards 2006 
• 91/100 - The Wine Advocate
• Gold medal - International Wine Challenge 2006
• Silver Medal - International Wine and Spirits Competition 2006

MODUS 2000

• 90/100 - Wine Spectator
• Old World Red Wine Trophy - Japan Wine Challenge 2003
• Commended - International Wine and Spirits Competition 2003 and 2004 
• Commended - Decanter Fine Wine and Spirits Competition 2004
• 90/100 - The Wine Advocate

MODUS 1999

• 91/100 - Wine Spectator
• Very Good - German Wine Contest "Mundus Vini" 2003
• 91/100 - Wine Access
• 94/100 - Haaretz

Vintage                                    Stars                                              Ageing Potential

1997                                          *****                                                Drink or hold

1998                                          ***                                                   Drink or hold

1999                                          *****                                                hold

2000                                          ****                                                  hold

2001                                          *****                                                hold

2003                                         ****

Tagliatelle with wil boar ragout

Pidgeon Risotto

Mixed roasted meat

Coq au vin

Gorgonzola cheese