From Tuscany's Ruffino, the Bolgheri 'Garzaia' from a Prestigious Wine Region

Pieroth Japan has started handling Ruffino, a prestigious Tuscan winery, from 2025. Founded in 1877, Ruffino is known as a pioneer of Chianti Classico and is one of the wineries representing not only Tuscany but all of Italy. It distributes high-quality, innovative wines to 83 countries worldwide and is widely recognized as a leading Chianti producer, while also receiving high acclaim in the Super Tuscan category.

Winemaker Olga Fusari has now come to Japan to present Garzaia, a new top-tier Bolgheri wine.

Garzaia Bolgheri Superiore DOC, crafted by Fusari, who holds deep expertise in Bolgheri, will be released by Pieroth Japan starting June 17.

Bolgheri — Why It's Called the Napa Valley of Italy

Bolgheri is a renowned wine region along the coast of Tuscany, known for producing iconic wines such as Sassicaia and Ornellaia. It earned the nickname 'Napa Valley of Italy' due to its history of crafting bold, full-bodied wines using international grape varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, free from the strict regulations of Italian wine laws.

The newly announced Garzaia Bolgheri Superiore is made exclusively from estate vineyards owned by Ruffino.

This project began in 2023 when Ruffino acquired vineyards in the renowned Bolgheri area along the Livorno coast. With only 75 producers, Bolgheri DOC is considered one of the most prestigious wine regions in the world.

Constellation

Ruffino’s parent company, Constellation Brands, is also known for owning The Prisoner, a cult wine from California.

Both brands share a common commitment to uncompromising quality.

A New Addition Completing Ruffino’s Premium Range

Garzaia joins Ruffino’s premium lineup alongside Riserva Ducale Oro (Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG), Romitorio di Santedame Chianti Classico Gran Selezione (Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG), Greppone Mazzi (Brunello di Montalcino DOCG), Modus Primo (IGT), and Arauda (IGT), completing the portfolio of great Tuscan red wines.

This further strengthens Ruffino’s 150-year journey of pursuing the pinnacle of Tuscan winemaking.

The newly unveiled Garzaia is a masterpiece crafted by Fusari, a winemaker deeply versed in Super Tuscan wines, with an unwavering dedication to quality.

Comment from Olga Fusari

"Bolgheri is where I began my winemaking journey, and every time I return, I feel like I’m coming home. Shaping a new project is a special moment in a winemaker’s career.

I hope everyone who tastes Garzaia can feel this passion."

The Meaning of the Name 'Garzaia'

'Garzaia' refers to a heronry — a nesting site where multiple herons gather and build nests close together. It is a pristine natural environment between land and water where herons coexist in harmony.

This name symbolizes the 'spirit of the land,' deeply rooted in Bolgheri’s history and landscape.

Ruffino’s vineyards consist of two plots totaling 15 hectares, located at Le Sondraie and Le Botte along the Bolgheri road.

Wine Style

The blend follows the varietal composition that made Bolgheri world-famous, with 70% Cabernet Franc as the base, complemented by Merlot to add softness and roundness, resulting in a wine with excellent balance and elegance.

The 2023 Bolgheri vintage enjoyed sunny weather and stable climatic conditions throughout the season.

A single heavy rainfall at the end of August replenished moisture, creating ideal growing conditions that allowed the grapes to slowly and evenly ripen despite summer heat.

2023 Ruffino Garzaia ¥47,190 (tax included)

About Pieroth Japan Co., Ltd.

For over 55 years since its founding, Pieroth Japan has sourced, imported, stored, distributed, and sold carefully selected wines from around the world. In addition to individual consumers, it supplies restaurants, hotels, and department stores. Its portfolio features approximately 2,000 varieties from 22 countries, ranging from easy-drinking daily wines to the finest wines from renowned châteaux.