Last night, Pontassieve-based winery Ruffino launched Alauda at its Poggio Casciano estate in the hills of Bagno a Ripoli at a dinner for buyers and journalists.
A blend of 45% Cabernet Franc, 45% Merlot and 10% native grape Colorino, Alauda aims to become the contemporary face of Tuscan winemaking in a departure from Ruffino’s famously traditional approach. Aged for 24 months in French oak barriques, the aromas are complex and intense; the Cabernet Franc and Colorino lending balsam and herbs, while the Merlot adds red fruitiness.
Managing director of Ruffino, Sandro Sartor, explained at the dinner catered by Cerbaia’s La Tenda Rossa restaurant, “This is the crowning point of a project that started in 2011 with the arrival of Constellation Brands. Projects take time, especially when the aim is to make a project that’s different to Tuscan traditions based on Sangiovese… Alauda distinguishes itself by its elegant, gentile, almost feminine flavours, just like Poggio Casciano, where most of the staff are women. This product places at the very top of Ruffino’s wines.”
Diners were greeted to the estate by artist Elisabetta Rogai, who delighted all in attendance by painting live with wine as her medium, and a tour of the Poggio Casciano, usually closed to the public.
Fun fact: “Alauda” is the name given to the lark bird found in this part of Tuscany.
