his Super Tuscan wine represents the pinnacle of Ruffino's artisan approach to winemaking. Alauda, which means 'skylark' in Italian is only made in exceptional vintage years and is a contemporary expression of Tuscany that showcases the unique terroir of Ruffino's Poggio Casciano and Montemasso estate vineyards. Alauda is a unique wine because Cabernet Franc is the heart of the blend, an unusual choice in Tuscany where Sangiovese is considered the signature grape. The decision to choose Cabernet Franc was a personal one for winemaker Gabriel Tacconi, who wanted to showcase how this delicate varietal expresses itself in a distinct and elegant way at our Poggio Casciano estate in the Tuscan hills outside Florence. The Cabernet Franc comes from a number of Loire Valley clones that were planted in carefully selected areas. It is carefully blended with Merlot to give the wine softness and structure. And, with a nod to tradition, the rare native Tuscan varietal Colorino is used to round out the blend. Producer Information\n \n Ruffino is a large wine company based in Tuscany, producing wines from several regions in Central and Northern Italy. The company was founded in 1877 when cousins Ilario and Leopoldo Ruffino established a small winery in Pontassieve near Florence. By the 1880s the company was regularly winning international awards and, in 1890, it became an official supplier to the Italian royal family. Ruffino purchased its first estate after World War II, and became the first to own estates in Chianti Classico, Montepulciano and Montalcino. The Gretole estate is almost entirely devoted to the flagship Chianti Classico Riserva Ducale Oro, while the Greppone Mazzi estate in Montalcino provides the company's Brunello. It now farms around 600 hectares (1483 acres) split across six Tuscan properties; generic Chianti and Toscana IGT in all three colors are also produced. In Veneto, the La Duchessa and Ca' del Duce estates were acquired in 2019. Here, 130 hectares (321 acres) are organically farmed and produce approximately 35,000 hectoliters each vintage. Constellation Brands have owned the company since 2011, having initially acquired a 40 percent stake in 2004.
