San Polo

Rubio IGT Toscana 2006

Wine Description

Rubio is a young and fresh 100% Sangiovese Grosso. The slightly shorter maceration with the skins, followed by fermentation in temperature controlled stainless steel containers and frequent pumpovers, allow for greater juiciness and a lighter body while preserving excellent color and flavor extraction.

Tasting Notes

Brilliant ruby red in color, Rubio offers fresh aromas of red cherries, violets and currants, followed by subtle spice and vanilla notes. This is a youthful and easy to drink wine that offers great versatility: it’s great by the glass and ideal for “al fresco” barbecues! Rubio is a delicious accompaniment to pasta with tomato sauces, pizza, grilled sausages, hamburgers, and with fresh Pecorino or Parmigiano Reggiano cheeses.

Vineyard Characteristics

Production area/name of vineyard: The San Polo estate vineyards in Montalcino
Size of vineyard (acres): 20
Soil composition: limestone, clay
Training method: spurred cordon
Elevation (feet): 1,485
Vines/acre: 2,800
Exposure: Southern/southeastern
Year vineyard planted: 1990-2000
Agronomist/Vineyard manager: Nicola Biasi

Winemaking & Aging

Varietal composition: 100% Sangiovese Grosso
Harvest time: October
Winemaking consultant: Riccardo Cotarella
First vintage of this wine: 1997
Number bottles produced of this wine: 70,000
Fermentation
Fermentation container: stainless steel tanks
Fermentation temperature (°F): 82-86
Length of maceration (days): 15
Aging
Aging container: Stainless steel tanks
Length of aging before bottling: 12-18 months
Length of bottle aging: minimal
Analytical Data
Alcohol: 13.2%
pH level: 3.4
Residual sugar (grams/liter): 1.8
Acidity (grams/liter): 5.4
Dry extract (grams/liter): 30.5

Reviews

Wine Advocate - Issue #178/ August 31, 2008
Discovering Italy's Finest Wine Values
"The estate-s entry-level wine, the 2006 Rubio (100% Sangiovese) is a fresh, plump offering bursting with sweet dark fruit. It offers a warm, generous personality that is sure to find many admirers, especially given its budget-friendly price."
88 points