RISERVA DUCALE

CHIANTI CLASSICO RISERVA DOCG

VINTAGE

2006

VARIETALS

A minimum of 80% Sangiovese plus Cabernet and Merlot.

VINEYARDS

Place of production: the grapes for the production of the wine Riserva Ducale predominantly come from the vineyards of the Ruffino estates Santedame, Montemasso, and Gretole, located in the traditional Chianti Classico production area stretching over the provinces of Siena and Florence.

Soil: The soil is characteristic for the Chianti Classico area: clayey with an abundant presence of "Galestro" rock.

Microclimate: The microclimate is variable from one area to another which confers richness and complexity of perfumes to the wine.

Altitude: Variable from 290 to 450 meters above sea level

Growing system: Guyot trained and Cordon trained.

Vine density: 3000-5000 vines/hectare

VINIFICATION AND AGEING    

The Chianti Classico "Riserva Ducale" stems from an accurate selection of the best grapes during harvest. Picking started in September and lasted until the beginning of October.

The alcohol fermentation, aided by racking and punching down, took place in thermo-controlled stainless-steel vats at an average temperature of 26-28°C for approximately 10 days.

The maceration on the skins continued for another 14 days.

After completing the malo-lactic fermentation Riserva Ducale was aged for 24 months, part in 40/80 hl. oak barrels and part in stainless-steel and concrete vats. Then Riserva Ducale spends other 3 months in bottle.

Alcohol content: 13% vol.

SENSORY PROPERTIES

Colour: Intense ruby red.

Aroma: the 2006 Riserva Ducale is characterised by particularly fragrant, fruity notes, typical of this vintage. Sweet cherries and red berry fruits meet with delicately spicy hints of cigar box and white pepper grains and elegant scents of red roses and flint.  

Tasting profile: Fruity, soothing, and well-balanced, the taste reveals velvety tannins and a enjoyable spicy sensation. The ageing in oak enriches the fruity core with hints of cacao and cloves. The long-lingering aftertaste adds intriguing notes of rosemary and figs.  

First Vintage: 1927