Wine With Wanda

The Bon Vivant of Ruffino: Beppe d'Andrea Shares Tuscany's Wines and Lifestyle with the World

Beppe in the Big Apple! What a great afternoon of wines and conversation at Upland restaurant with Beppe d'Andrea of Ruffino winery during his whirlwind visit to NYC. 

Beppe d'Andrea is living the dream. As the Global Brand Ambassador for Ruffino winery, Beppe jet sets around the world sharing the infinite charms of "La Vita Ruffino", their mantra for the fine Italian art of good living. For quite some time, I've been happily following Beppe's adventures on social media and I finally had the opportunity to share some wine and conversation with this tireless Tuscan. Charming, energetic, knowledgable, and down-to-earth, Beppe has been with Ruffino for 32 years and represents everything a brand ambassador should be. 

One of the most familiar names in the world of Italian wine, Ruffino was founded in 1877 by cousins Ilario and Leopoldo Ruffino in Tuscany. The very first Chianti exported to the United States, Ruffino is a staple at any well-stocked wine shop. Ruffino's portfolio showcases some of Tuscany's most celebrated wines, including Chianti Classico, Brunello di Montalcino, and those captivating blends known as Super Tuscans. "The quality of the wine is not just the juice in the bottle," said Beppe. He further explained that for Ruffino winemaking is about "respect, tradition, and love." Those ideals are manifested in actions such as Ruffino actively taking strides towards 100% organic production. 

image courtesy of Il Relais Ruffino

Explaining that Ruffino's "goal is not to make just good wine but a good life style," Beppe shared news of their very first hotel property, Il Relais Ruffino. Designed to fully immerse guests in La Vita Ruffino, the luxuriously appointed 7-room inn is surrounded by olive trees and vineyards in the heart of Chianti Classico. Located just 20 minutes from Florence at Ruffino's Poggio Casciano estate, the property includes a dramatic infinity swimming pool facing a hillside vineyard where you can sip and lounge the day away. Other activities include wine tastings, vineyard tours, and meals at Locanda Ruffino. 

image courtesy of Il Relais Ruffino

A stay at Il Relais Ruffino has been added to my travel wish list. And if any of my friends are reading this, let's plan to rent out the property for a truly elegant and relaxing Tuscan getaway. If we're lucky, maybe Beppe will be there to greet us! 

Of course, Ruffino's wines make it possible to experience a taste of La Vita Ruffino no matter where you are. 

2015 Ruffino Tenuta Santedame Chianti Classico DOCG ($20) is mostly Sangiovese (80%) blended with Merlot, Colorino, Cabernet, and Canaiolo. 2015 was an exceptional vintage throughout Tuscany and this Chianti Classico is beautifully balanced and full of vitality. Fresh, juicy, and velvety flavors of plum, blackberry, and a hint of savory balsamic. 


A blend of Sangiovese (34%), Cabernet Sauvignon (33%), and Merlot (33%), 2015 Ruffino Modus Toscana IGT ($25) is plush and robust with silky tannins. Aged in French oak for 12 months, subtle hints of spice beautifully accent luscious fruit flavors and hints of herbs. 

Produced only in the very best vintages, only 5,000 bottles of 2015 Ruffino Alauda IGT Toscana ($100) were made. A voluptuous yet graceful blend of Cabernet Franc (40%), Merlot (35%), and Colorino (25%), Alauda shows the magic that can happen when the blessing of an exceptional vintage is married to intuitive yet precise winemaking. With rich berry and plum flavors and hints of chocolate, espresso, and earth, Alauda is superb now and will age exquisitely. 

2013 Ruffino Greppone Mazzi Brunello di Montalcino DOCG ($80) is a fine example of a classic Brunello. Rich but not overbearing, this elegant expression of 100% Sangiovese Grosso dazzles with intense red fruit flavors and sultry hints of chocolate and earth.

Visit the Ruffino website to learn more about Ruffino's wines, history, and details on arranging a visit. 

A Timeless Taste of Tuscany: The Wines of Cecchi

When your family has been making quality wine since 1893, it takes an extraordinary amount of work and dedication to maintain such an impressive legacy. But perhaps more than anything, winemaking at this level requires passion without limits. This passion fuels the Cecchi brothers, Andrea and Cesare, as they guide their family through another era of extraordinary winemaking where tradition and innovation co-exist beautifully. 

I recently had the pleasure of sharing wine and conversation with Andrea Cecchi during one of his whirlwind visits to New York. The quintessential Tuscan gentleman, Andrea has an elegant but approachable demeanor and Cecchi wines also exude grace, warmth, and openness. 



La Mora Vermentino 2014 ($19.99)
Tuscany is known throughout the world for exceptional red wines but don't ignore the whites. Cecchi produces this pretty Vermentino in the coastal Maremma region.  Vibrant and refreshing with perky citrus and floral notes, La Mora Vermentino is Tuscan sunshine in a glass. A perfect apéritif and an absolutely winning match with seafood. 

La Mora Morellino di Scansano 2013 ($22.99)
Everyone who loves Chianti should give Morellino di Scansano a swirl to experience a different expression of the Sangiovese grape. Morellino is the local name for Sangiovese in the Maremma region and Scansano is a village in the region. Maremma's gentle sea breezes and diverse soils nurture grapes with soft tannins. Soft and round with hints of red cherry, this juicy red from the Maremma region is easy elegance personified. Pair with pasta, meat, and even a burger. 


Cecchi Chianti Classico 2014 ($20.99)
Look closely at the label of this bottle and you will see gold script that says "Storia di Famiglia" - family history. This is the vino that tells the Cecchi story to wine lovers around the world. Well-structured with a rustic elegance, this wine really captures the essence of Chianti Classico with its earthiness and flavors of dark cherries. Pair with hearty dishes and sharp cheeses. 2016 marks the 300th anniversary of Chianti Classico and a bottle of Cecchi is a delicious way to celebrate the occasion. 



Cecchi Chianti Classico Riserva di Famiglia 2013 ($40.99)
Refined and nuanced, Cecchi only produces this wine in years that the grape harvest is of the highest quality. Aged for 14 months in oak casks before bottling and then bottle-aged for another 4 months before release, the Sangiovese grows in richness and complexity. As the wine breathes, it opens up to reveal gorgeous flavors of rich cherries, black currants, and plums that are balanced by a touch of spice and earth. This is the wine I would reach for when eating a rare and juicy Porterhouse steak/Bistecca Fiorentina. 



Cecchi COEVO 2011 ($105.99)
This wine holds a very special meaning for the Cecchi brothers because it was inspired by their late father, Luigi. Signore Cecchi was enamored of the Maremma region and COEVO (which means contemporary) combines the more modern style of the Maremma wines with the classic techniques of Chianti Classico. This outstanding tribute is a blend of Sangiovese combined with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Petit Verdot. COEVO is full-bodied but elegant and silky with impressive freshness, minerality, and balance - it will elevate every meal to a higher level. A wonderful match with roasts, braised & grilled meats, and aged cheeses.

It was such an honor to share these wines with Andrea Cecchi. Cecchi's excellent wines certainly speak for themselves but our conversation reminded me of wine's unique ability to create a bridge between people of different cultures. The world needs more of that. Cheers! 



P.S. If you're planning a trip to Tuscany, Cecchi welcomes visitors at Villa Cerna in the heart of Chianti Classico and at Val delle Rose in the Maremma (I was at the Maremma winery last year and it is stunning!)
 

Related articles

Sipping with the Count: Col d'Orcia Brunello di Montalcino

Wanderlust Wish List: Villa Le Scale on the Isle of Capri, Italy

The latest addition to my Wanderlust Wish List is the luxurious Villa Le Scale on the Isle of Capri, Italy. This exclusive destination looks like the perfect antidote to my winter blues.


One of the few remaining historic houses on the Isle of Capri, Villa Le Scale dates back to the early 19th century and was once the summer home of the Barone Monti delle Corte.

Villa Le Scale was left abandoned and in disrepair for many years but it has been lovingly restored into a chic boutique hotel by the new owner.

Each of Villa Le Scale's seven rooms & suites has a unique design and is lavishly decorated with antiques and fine furnishings. (The owner, Signora Anna Maria Coronato, is an arts & antiques dealer.) Most of the rooms and suites open on to a flower decked terrace or patio and offer a view of the sea. The fully staffed villa is also available for exclusive rental.

Villa Le Scale is located in Anacapri on the Isle of Capri, a short distance from the Amalfi Coast, Sorrento and Naples. The island is accessible by hydrofoil, ferry or helicopter. Villa Le Scale is happy to arrange transfers by private boat or helicopter at your request. The nearest international airport to Capri is Naples Capodichino.

For more information, visit the Villa Le Scale website.  If you get there before I do, send a postcard!
images of Villa Le Scale: Umberto d'Aniello