Cousins Ilario and Leopoldo Ruffino founded Ruffino winery in 1877 within the medieval village of Pontassieve, near Florence. In 1913, the Brescian Folonari family purchased the property, then in 1999 the Folonari business was split with brothers Paolo and Marco keeping the Ruffino name. Constellation Brands purchased a 40% share in Ruffino in 1999. Ruffino now owns six prestigious estates situated within Tuscany, including vineyards in Chianti Classico, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano and Brunello di Montalcino.

The IGT, Indicazione Geografica Tipica, IGT designation is a wine that represents the typical geographic characteristics of the region where it is grown, yet does not adhere to the regional blending laws. Instead, these wines incorporate non-traditional Italian varietals of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah with Sangiovese in creating a New World rendition of Tuscan wine.

In 1997 Ruffino introduced Modus IGT and recently launched the distinguished Super Tuscan Modus Primo. It originates from three unique vineyards situated approximately 1,480 feet in elevation amidst the hills near Florence. The soils are composed clay, limestone, and gravel.

This wine glistens in the glass with a youthful garnet shadow and an alluring bouquet of lavish black fruits with fresh underpinnings of dried sage and thyme. The focus and expression of this wine is definitely New World with concentrated black cherry puree, mulberries and blackberry compote pushing to the forefront. It transitions seamlessly to elements of saddle leather, tilled earth, star anise and sweet pipe tobacco as you immediately identify its pedigree as Tuscan. It unveils further with a supple mouthfeel framed with mocha. The tannins are ripe and finely grained with whispers of acidity that that keep everything lively and in balance through the ending. This wine is a pleasure to drink now, but is certain to broaden its complex flavor profile over time.

By W Peter Hoyne