Ruffino Chianti
Tuscan Sangiovese poured in Commack since the beginning
The story behind Ruffino
Ilario and Leopoldo Ruffino, cousins, founded the house in 1877 in Pontassieve, a town just east of Florence on the road to the Chianti hills. They built a name on Sangiovese, and when Chianti was elevated to DOCG, Ruffino received the very first certification strip, AA00000001. That is not marketing. That is a paper trail.
We have poured Ruffino at this counter for over thirty years, through every vintage cycle and every shift in Tuscan winemaking. The style has stayed steady: Sangiovese as the backbone, rounded with Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon or Canaiolo for an approachable, fruit forward red. Fermentation runs about ten days in temperature controlled stainless steel, then the wine rests in large steel and concrete tanks, not heavy oak, so the cherry and violet stay bright.
Explore the Ruffino range
Ruffino covers a lot of ground, from a nine dollar weeknight Chianti to the Riserva Ducale tier. Here is how the lineup sorts out.
| Expression | Type | Proof / ABV | Tasting notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ruffino Chianti Red 750mL | Chianti DOCG | 25.0 (12.5% ABV) | Cherry, violet, bright acidity, tomato sauce friendly |
| Ruffino Chianti Red 1.5L | Chianti DOCG | 25.0 (12.5% ABV) | Same wine, magnum format, feeds a table |
| Ruffino Superiore Chianti 750mL | Chianti Superiore | 26.0 (13% ABV) | Denser fruit, firmer tannin, grilled meat |
| Ruffino Aziano Chianti 750mL | Chianti | 26.0 (13% ABV) | Rounder mid palate, dark cherry, herbs |
| Ruffino Il Ducale Toscana 750mL | Toscana IGT | 26.0 (13% ABV) | Sangiovese blend, plush, savory finish |
| Ruffino Tan 750mL | Toscana red blend | 26.0 (13% ABV) | Soft tannin, ripe plum, easy pouring red |
Which Ruffino is right for you?
The entry Ruffino Chianti Red 750mL sits at $9.99, and the 1.5L at $13.99, which is the honest value in the lineup. Step up to the Superiore Chianti at $11.99 or the Aziano Chianti at $14.99 and you get more density for a few dollars. Il Ducale Toscana runs $14.99. If you want to buy Ruffino online and keep a house red on hand, the standard Chianti and the magnum are the two we restock most. Prices are as listed; stock moves, so call ahead on the larger formats.
Magnum of bright Sangiovese for gravy, meatballs and a full table.
Nine dollar bottle with real acidity, works with pizza and pasta.
Firmer structure for grilled steak without jumping to Riserva pricing.