Thirsty Thursday: 2007 Ruffino Riserva Ducale Chianti Classico
Often I prefer having something on in the background while I’m working on the website and lately I’ve been on a Sopranos kick, rewatching a good portion of the series. One thing that I noticed watching this HBO classic is the reoccurring appearance of Ruffino Chianti Classico in various scenes. With its distinctive golden label the wine is easily identifiable and hence brilliant for product placement.
Tony
Of course if you see a product enough times the repetition can inevitably convince the mind that there is inherent value in said product making any purchase a “rational one”…or in this case necessary research for Thirsty Thursday. Hence today is all about the 2007 Ruffino Riserva Ducale Chianti Classico (DOCG).
To be honest I was expecting much from Ruffino’s Chianti Classico, as alcoholic product placements rarely live up to the contrived averageness created in my mind. But surprisingly the wine didn’t come close to becoming the next victim of a Thirsty Thursday Fail. Though not exceedingly complex, this dry red wine does have substance and actively engages the palate in a non-offensive way. It may not be exactly worthy of a $25 shelf price, but if you’re looking for a non-miss at a restaurant, have a limited selection of Italian wines to choose from, or just want to live like Tony Soprano then this is wine is for you.
Here’s my complete review:
2007 Ruffino Riserva Ducale Chianti Classico (DOCG)
Pale dark cherry or ruby red in color, the wine nose opens with a pleasant mixture of fruit, tobacco, and white pepper. Medium bodied and dry, the palate expresses notes of cherry, leather, and black tea (in that succession). Finishes short, clean, and dry.
Retails Around $25
- Are you a Soprano’s lover, hater?
- How often do you fall for product placement?
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Katherine gets so irritated with meadow’s parking. K is good at parallel parking.
Haha
I’ve tried this wine in the past and agree with your assessment. It’s certainly not a bad wine but it isn’t one that I seek on a wine list or keep on hand. It is what it is, and that’s a safe bet.
Exactly. Hope you’re having a good weekend my friend.
Sad but true, I would buy the wine because I like the label!
Mandy
Labels are a big business.
Love it, I’ve always wondered if it was good!
Now we know~ 
Just doing my job!
I had this in Italy! I’m not a big Chianti fan, but when I drink it it HAS to be a Classico.
Nice move including the Soprano’s clip.
Did it taste better in the homeland , like Heineken??
Always!
Very good eye to take notice of the Soprano’s favorite wine that was used in the show. Now you have inspired me to be more food and wine conscious when watching TV! This wine sounds like it has some interesting notes of flavor-I may have to pick up a bottle for curiosities sake!
Oh and the work week, faghettaboudit–the weekend is almost here, enjoy it!
Curiosity never killed the cat…at least when talking about wine.
I haven’t watched many episodes of the Sopranos but I do like that show. I was expecting someone to get bumped off…go figure. Our friends in Illinois like drinking Chianti, but I’m not sure which one they like. It’s usually quite light, which is fine with me (less damage on day two). I looked this particular bottle up on our LCBO site and surprisingly it is only $0.95 more in Ontario!
Eva http://kitcheninspirations.wordpress.com/
Less damage on day two…you crack me up Eva.
I would never guess a wine advertised in Sopranos would be good… Thank you for this excellent review!
This is one of my husband’s favorite wines, he is a fan of Chianti and this is a good one. A little secret, you can sometimes find it at Sam’s or Costco for around $17, which makes it a very good choice for a Saturday night grilling steak or with a favorite bolognese (I recommend my recipe, it takes a while, but is a good companion for this wine–not bragging, just sayin’).
Great, insightful review!
Oh yes the Costco discount. I remember the days went I use to be able to enjoy that. Fortunately I’ll be leaving the forsaken state of Utah and returning to places where I can better selection and discounts on wine. Is this the recipe you were speaking of? : http://savoringtoday.com/2011/04/25/spaghetti-bolognese-ragu-magnifico/
Yes, it is. It is time to make another pot before the weather gets too warm.