Modus is a red produced by Ruffino in Toscana, Tuscany, Italy. Made from Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Cellarion's sommeliers have reviewed the drink window of 4 vintages; members see when each one is ready. Track this wine and manage your cellar with Cellarion — the free, open-source wine app at cellarion.app.
Type: Red
Appellation: Toscana
Region: Tuscany
Country: Italy
Grapes: Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot
Tasting profile
Structure: medium-bodied, medium tannin, medium acidity, dry
Ruffino's Modus is a Super Tuscan — Sangiovese blended with Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, bottled under the broad Toscana designation because the international varieties put it outside Chianti Classico's rules. That category began as an act of rebellion in the 1970s, when producers who wanted to use Bordeaux grapes had to sell the results as humble table wine. It is now a recognised style in its own right. Sangiovese supplies the dark cherry and the earthy Tuscan backbone; Merlot fills the mid-palate; Cabernet adds structure and a cedary edge. Dark cherry and plum with dried herbs, cedar and leather. Medium-bodied with rounded tannin and a clean, moderately firm finish. Polished and approachable rather than demanding — a reliable everyday red that sits well at the table without asking for attention. Grilled beef, pasta with meat sauce, pizza, aged pecorino.
Serving: Serve at 15–17 °C.
When to drink
Cellarion's sommeliers have reviewed the drink window of 4 vintages of Modus. Sign up free to see when each one is ready.
Where it comes from
Tuscany, Italy
Tuscany (Toscana) is one of Italy's most iconic wine regions, set in the rolling hills of the country's centre and inseparable from the Sangiovese grape.
Sangiovese
Sangiovese is a red grape and the signature variety of Tuscany, the heart of Italy's most famous reds.
Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon is a red grape born in Bordeaux from a natural crossing of Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc, and it has become the most planted premium red variety on the planet, the backbone of countless…
Merlot
Merlot is a red grape from Bordeaux, one of the world's most planted varieties, valued for its softness, generosity and its role as a blending partner to Cabernet Sauvignon.
More wines
From Ruffino
- 1877 Chianti — Ruffino, Chianti
- Aqua di Venus Rosé — Ruffino, Toscana
- Aziano Chianti Classico — Ruffino, Chianti Classico
- Greppone Mazzi Brunello di Montalcino — Ruffino, Brunello di Montalcino
- Lumina Pinot Grigio — Ruffino, Delle Venezie
- Pinot Grigio Delle Venezie — Ruffino, delle Venezie
More red wines from Tuscany
- Antico Feudo Toscana IGT — Barone Ricasoli, Toscana
- Bolgheri Rosso — Grattamacco, Bolgheri
- Bolgheri Superiore — Grattamacco, Bolgheri Superiore
- Brolio Chianti Classico Riserva — Barone Ricasoli, Chianti Classico
Frequently asked questions
Where is Modus from?
Modus is produced by Ruffino in Toscana, Tuscany, Italy.
What grapes are in Modus?
Modus is a blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.