Of all countries, which do you think would garner the most votes for mouth-watering holiday foods? Italy would definitely be at the top, and for good reason! In this country, everyone knows that good food calls for great wine. Homemade dishes find their perfect match with wines rich in tradition and know-how, whose inimitable history and terroirs can be tasted in each bottle. This is exactly what Ruffino brings to the table: from aperitif to secondo, the estate accompanies your celebrations in true Italian fashion.  

About Ruffino

The house was born in 1877, when cousins ​​Ilario and Leopoldo Ruffino followed their passion by establishing a small vineyard near Florence, Tuscany. Very aware of the soil potential and development opportunities, the two natives of the region adopted the motto of “producing an ideal wine” and quickly acquired an enviable reputation. Ruffino wine thus became a pioneer and garnered honours abroad, notably winning the Bordeaux gold medal in 1895. It was then on to conquer palates across the ocean: the first Chianti imported to the United States bared the Ruffino label.  

With over 140 years of history, Ruffino continues to brilliantly express the history and heritage of Italy in every bottle. With its Chiantis, Pinot Grigios and Proseccos that are both accessible and high-quality, the house has carved out a place of choice among local customers and has become the leading Italian wine brand in Quebec. The estate also embraces innovation to create more modern profiles, such as super Tuscan wines like Modus, catering to customers looking for a more contemporary and unexpected style. 

Today, sustainable development is a priority throughout the company, which honours the traditions of fine viticulture while ensuring the longevity of its terroirs. A leader in sustainable practices in Italy, Ruffino will complete the transition to organic farming for all its grape varieties and partner-growers by 2025. That same year, 25% of its wastewater will be reused throughout its operations. The company also has major ambitions to reduce its GHGs by 50% by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality in 2050. 

White, red and prosecco wines from Ruffino

Prosecco

Nothing says festivities like a bottle of bubbly. The bouquet of this lively prosecco is fragrant and full of notes of apples, pears and citrus, accompanied by notes of wisteria. The palate reveals fine bubbles and flavours of apples and peaches, with a touch of minerality and lemon zest in the long finish. 

Serve it to start the evening off right with bites of prosciutto melon.

Orvieto Classico

Under the fruity and sweet profile, this refreshing white offers a nice balance between structure and acidity. Orvieto also offers a unique mineral character coming from its original chalky limestone soil. The finish is long and fragrant. 

Serve it as an aperitif with a classic bruschetta recipe, always very popular.

Chianti

Ruffino’s Chianti is a lovely, approachable and easy-drinking red; a versatile choice that will please your guests at large gatherings. Its floral and fruity bouquet also offers notes of spices and hazelnut. Its medium-bodied palate offers good balance and fruity notes.

Ideal at the start of a meal with a beef carpaccio with parmesan shavings.

Lumina Delle Venezie

This cuvée made from 100% Pinot Grigio offers a seductive bouquet of white flowers, vegetal notes, pear and Golden apple. The lively and elegant palate reveals a touch of minerality which persists on the finish, with notes of lemon peel. 

Serve with shrimp and lemon fettuccini, to the delight of your guests.

Riserva Ducale Chianti Classico Riserva

This aromatic and fleshy classic wine was first produced in 1927 in homage to the Duke of Aosta, who is said to have crossed the Alps to taste this wine whose reputation was already well established in the 19th century. Well balanced with velvety tannins and a lingering finish with a touch of rosemary, it possesses the structure to age for a few years. 

A treat with comforting pasta Bolognese.

Modus Toscana

Open and expressive, this Super Tuscan whose first vintage dates to 1997 is blended with Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, aged for 12 months in new and used French and American barrels. Accessible in its youth thanks to its already relatively supple tannins and good acidity, a few years in the cellar will bring it additional complexity. 

This rich wine with silky tannins and flavours of blackberries and cocoa will be a hit with duck pappardelle.

From the Ruffino family to yours: cheers and happy holidays! 

 

In partnership with Ruffino