Nose
Intensely fruity aromas, with notes of cherry, violet, and black currant, followed by spicy notes.
Palate
Well structured and balanced, with pleasant tannins and great aromatic persistence. The sensations of berries and cherries, typical of the variety, give it great drinkability, in addition to considerable intensity and elegance.
Growing Conditions
In vintage 2010, the first phase of growth was accompanied by frequent rainfall, which continued until mid-June, with spring temperatures that were slightly below average. The next phase, starting from the last 10 days of June was very dry and hot. Rain then held off until the beginning of September. During September, daytime temperatures were stable while the nights were rather cool, providing the very favourable gap between day and night temperatures needed to foster ideal ripening. The various phases of vegetative development were rather late and slow, but steady and continuous and, from the last week of August onwards, the ripening of the grapes evolved perfectly. The wines produced in this vintage exhibit extraordinary characteristics for Sangiovese, in terms of both nose and palate, as well as composition. In addition to an excellent alcohol content, total polyphenols, anthocyanins and extracts are very high and rarely found in this grape varietal.
Vineyard: San Polo
Altitude: 300- 450 mt s.l.m.
Exposure: South-South/Eastand South/South-West
Soil characteristic: Rich in calcium and clay
Training system: Spurred cordon
Planting dates: 2000 – 2004
Density: 7,000 vines/hectare (2,832 vines/acre)
Yield: 6300 kg/hectare
Harvest
Grapes are harvested by hand in small 17kg crates during the second half of September
Winemaking
After careful selection of the bunches, soft pressing of the grapes and cryomaceration prior to fermentation
Fermentation: In tapered refrigerated stainless steel tanks
Fermentation temperature: 28/30°C (82/86°F)
Length of fermentation: 5/6 days
Malolactic fermentation: In stainless steel tanks
Aging
10 months in stainless steel tanks, 4 months in bottle
Appearance
Rubio has a brilliant ruby red colour with purple hues.
Food Pairing
This wine expresses all the radiance and directness of a Sangiovese from Montalcino counting on freshness; it is perfect by the glass, thanks to its versatility, and ideal for outdoor barbecues. Delicious when paired with various kinds of cold cuts, pasta, sausages and grilled meats, medium-aged cheeses such as the famous Tuscan pecorino. Excellent immediately, it does not fear brief cellar ageing.
