2008 Ruffino Chianti Classico Aziano

Norm's Tasting Notes
by: Norm Bentley
North Georgia Wine Advisor
normwine@bellsouth.net





2008 Ruffino Chianti Classico Aziano
#nb-17-11


In 2007 Ruffino celebrated its 130th anniversary of making wine in Tuscany, Italy, after their founding by Liario Ruffino in 1877. They produced their first reserve Chianti in 1947. They now produce several different levels of Chianti, including Aziano, which is my favorite in the value priced range.

I have been in love with Ruffino Chianti since long before I can remember! Maybe its because when I was a little boy in Napa, California, the family's favorite Italian restaurant was a place called Ruffino's, in downtown Napa, where I occasionally got a "sip" of Chianti with my spaghetti. I last visited Ruffino's in Napa in 2000, but I do not believe it is still there. Later when I was about twelve, we used to visit Spano's Italian-Seafood Restaurant in downtown Columbus, Georgia. Spano's was opened in the 1880's and lasted until the 1990's. Visits there for a Saturday plate of spaghetti often included a three ounce glass of Ruffino Chianti to accompany my lunch. So you might understand that I am well acquainted with Ruffino Chianti.

My last glass of Ruffino was this past Tuesday night, with a big plate of homemade spaghetti with marinara sauce with meat. The wine was the 2008 Ruffino Chianti Classico Aziano and as expected, it was delightful! The color is a deep ruby red with good clarity, and just looks tempting as you pour it. The fragrance is a blend of red berries and cherries which transition into flavors of berries and herbs with a trace of spiciness. This Chianti finishes strong with enough tannin to cut through the acidity found in tomato sauce. Aziano is primarily Sangiovese with small amounts of Cannaiolo and Merlot blended in to round out the flavors. The alcohol content is 13%.

This is a rich tasting Chianti with a value price, and will complement any pasta dish, and would be especially good with veal Marsala. Norm's score is 89.



Price: $12 to $16
Score: 89

Norm


Norm's Tasting Notes can also be accessed at his Blog:
http://normwine.blogspot.com/


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