Off the vine: Ruffino Chianti DOCG

Tuscany is an eternally romanticized region of Italy, housing the grandeur of Florence and, more importantly for this column, one of Italy’s most prized wine domains. It is particularly well known for sangiovese, a grape name that derives from the Latin for ‘blood of Jove.’ This varietal is the primary ingredient in modern Chianti, so called because of the area where it is produced – an area which is thought to have produced wine all the way back to the pre-Roman Etruscan civilization.

Ruffino’s Chianti comes in a slightly squat bottle reminiscent of the traditional fiasco (a rounded vessel nestled in a straw basket that is often used to evoke charming rusticity in films). According to Ruffino’s official website, their Chianti was the first to reach the shores of the United States, an impressive claim to fame. It is also the first product the winery came out with back in 1877 – though the recipe has doubtless changed in the last century.

Enjoy the violet and cherry aromas with some veal ravioli or medium-strength cheese, or go down the Hannibal Lecter route and have it with liver and fava beans.

// Ruffino Chianti DOCG can be purchased through ASC Fine Wines.