Anything Similar to Chianti Ruffino Gold Label?

[misterjive]

Try Super-Tuscans! In a comment I made in the Italian wines forum, I opined that Ruffino Gold is, to my way of thinking, more like a Super-Tuscan than a Chianti (a Super-Tuscan is a wine that does not fit into DOC/Italian wine law specifications, usually because it has too much Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend). Many Americans are unaware that by Italian law, Chianti producers can include up to 10% Cabernet. I once had an argument with some wine reps from a Florida distributor that shall go unnamed that this was not the case--they maintained that Chianti NEVER has Cab in it...well, ask Mr. Antinori, who says that his great-grandfather was putting Cab in his Chianti a century ago--current Italian law allows 10% but no more. If there is more (or if there is Syrah in the blend, or Merlot, or other "French" varieties), the wine must be called a simple Vino di Tavola (table wine). As a result, many of the best wines coming out of Italy are vini di tavola, and are known as "Super-Tuscans" because of their innovative composition and character (aged in small oak barriques, a method of maturation more common to Bordeaux than Tuscany). Now, I know that this little lesson is old news to many out there, BUT, it shines a great deal of light on the character of Ruffino Gold. Ruffino Gold is made in the style of the Super-Tuscans; it is more Cab-influenced, and much more oaky than your typical Chianti. Largely because of these reasons, it enjoys a great deal of success in the American market. I think it's good stuff, but I am not about to pay $50 or $60 a bottle for it (restaurant prices, and believe me, I have seen them this high). When I want chianti, I drink Chianti, and when I want a Super-Tuscan, I drink a Super-Tuscan. Fontalloro is dynamite. Sassolloro is, too. Ornellaia is great, but expensive, and so it goes. Many Super-Tuscans are just as expensive as Ruffino Gold. Campaccio is dynamite stuff, and I believe you might be able to find the '95 for $30-40 at a good wine store. If you want to try a great Chianti, but one that is markedly different in style from Ruffino Gold, try Monsanto Il Poggio, and try to get the '97. 1997 is a fantastic vintage for Tuscany, as noted by others in the Italian wines folder.

Now, back to your original question: You want the style and panache of Ruffino Gold, but at a less aristocratic price. The answer is quite simple: buy California Sangiovese. You will find all of the oak and boldness of Ruffino Gold, at a fraction of the price. Same grape, different continent. Pedroncelli, Chance Creek, Bonny Doon; all of these producers make reasonably-priced Sangios. If you want to splurge, pick up a bottle of Staglin Family "Stagliano" Sangiovese. You might even like it better than Ruffino Gold!