
Toscana IGT
Alauda
The story
Alauda is the ultimate expression of an artisanal idea and Ruffino style, whose first vintage was 2011. It is only produced in exceptional years to fully convey the traits of the terroir on the Poggio Casciano and Montemasso estate and top international grapes, while Colorino plants this wine in the timeless tradition of Tuscan reds. The unusual choice of Cabernet Franc, with a clone from the Loire Valley, was made by winemaker Gabriele Tacconi, who wanted to show the potential of this grape in Tuscany.
Winemaking notes
All grapes are hand harvested from very low yielding vines, and undergo an additional hand selection process at the winery to ensure only the finest grapes are chosen for this special wine. The grapes are fermented in separate stainless steel tanks, one for each varietal. The long rest on the skins boosts the color extraction before being racked and transferred to small oak barrels for malolactic fermentation, undergoing batonnage twice a week for three months before blending.
Color
Inscrutable red, dense, scarlet highlights by the rim.
Aroma
Sumptuous fresh fruit and preserves alternate with Mediterranean botanicals and blackberry jam tart, followed by prized wood and vanilla.
Tasting profile
The flavors are perfectly aligned with the bouquet, borne out by embroidered tannins and a rich, intoxicating body that extends into fruit preserves. The brackish finish surprises and intrigues with an irreverent umami touch.
Full tasting Notes
A generous symphony with a rousing personality, imperious stride and an overall feeling of longevity.
Food pairings
This wine triumphs with elegant Italian dishes full of flavor and rich in spices, hearty sauces and mature cheeses.
Production area
Tuscany.
Winemaking details Alauda
Grape varieties
45% Cabernet Franc, 45% Merlot and 10% Colorino.
Vineyard
The Colorino comes from a single vineyard on the Montemasso estate in Chianti Classico, while the Cabernet Franc and Merlot from single vineyards on the Poggio Casciano estate in Chianti Colli Fiorentini.
Aging
The final blend is aged for 24 months in new and second-use French barriques. The finesse comes from an additional 4 months in stainless steel tanks before being bottled and set aside for 6 months before release.
Serving temperature
18/20°
Did you know?
Alauda means "skylark" in Italian, which is artistically depicted on the label.