Chianti Montalbano: Rubattorno Winery!
Chianti is a small region located within Tuscany, and contains 8 sub-regions. What makes the Chianti region so special? Tuscany. Tuscany is special for many reasons, first starting with the history and traditions that have taken place over the centuries, and secondly the beautiful landscape. This landscape is covered with a hilly countryside and fertile plains that make it perfect for making wine and olive oil.
One of the eight sub-regions in Chianti is known as Chianti Montalbano. Chianti Montalbano is located northwest of Florence, Italy and to the south of Pistoia (take a look here). Montalbano is known for having light and fruit-driven wines that come from vineyards on western facing hills. This where we are exploring today through tasting wines from the Rubattorno Winery. Like most vineyards in Chianti, the Rubattorno Winery works with using two of the most common grapes to the Chianti region, they are Sangiovese (red varietal) and Trebbiano (white varietal).
What is Sangiovese like? Generally, Sangiovese is a savory varietal that features occasional red fruits with lots of herbs, vegetals and animal-like bouquet such as leather. Additionally, it is a very acidic and tannic varietal. As for elevage, yes oak is generally used but only in neutral barrels.
What is Trebbiano like? Also known as Ugni Blanc, Trebbiano is one of the most common white varietals in Italy. Generally Trebbiano is very acidic and has a dry finish with a touch (barely a touch) of sweetness. Besides that, this is a great food-friendly white varietal.
Before getting into the wines, we wanted to find out a little more about how the Rubattorno Winery began. According to Eleonora Potenza, Business Partner and Sales Manager, the roots of the winery go all the way back to the 18th century as well as the history behind the "Rubattorno" name. The "Rubattorno" name comes from two different aspects; the first is of ancient origin that is unknown and secondly is the name of a street from the 13th century where robbers waited in hiding to raid shepherds while they passed to reach the pastures in Mantalbano.
The backbone behind Rubattorno Winery is Carmine Potenza. Carmine's career in the wine industry started when he was around ten years old when he would help is father in the vineyard. Only growing from there, Carmine then attended the Agarian School in the nearby city of Siena where he later graduated as a oeno-technician (wine technician). Once graduating Carmine came back and became the Business Manager of his family's vineyard, Rubattorno Winery. In addition to being the winemaker at Rubattorno Winery, Carmine is also the manager at La Greggia (which we will be writing about later this year). The Rubattorno Winery is comprised of eighteen hectares, with five of them are composed of Sangiovese, Colorino, Gamay, Canaiolo and Trebbiano grapes.
Rubattorno Winery produces the following: Chianti Montalbano D.O.C.G., Chianti Montalbano Riserva D.O.C.G., Vin Santo del Chianti, Grappa of Chianti, Tuscan IGT White Wine, Tuscan IGT Red Wine, and Extra Virgin Olive Oil.
(You are probably wondering what D.O.C.G. and what IGT means? Do not fear, we have you covered! D.O.C.G means Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita which is the highest classification of Italian wines. This classification has a controlled method of production, and guaranteed quality of wine. Additionally it is restricted by the following: specific varietals, yield limits, winemaking methods, and elevage. As for IGT, this means Indicazione Geografica Tipica, which is given to wines of low quality or wines that do not meet the standards of D.O.C. or D.O.C.G.)
We were lucky enough to get three different bottles supplied by the estate for a tasting note. Click on the links to view our notes!
2014 Rubattorno Winery Bianco di Toscana (IGT White Wine): 91 points
2013 Rubattorno Winery Chianti Montalbano D.O.C.G.: 84 points
2011 Rubattorno Winery Chianti Montalbano Riserva D.O.C.G.: 86 points
Thank you again Eleonora for sending these all the way out to us to taste. We really appreciate it and loved trying out your father's wines! If any of you get the chance, we highly recomment trying the IGT White Wine, it is truely something special. Contact details below if you are interested in purchasing some for yourselves!
Contact Info for Rubattorno Winery:
Eleonora Potenza
Email: info@vinicolarubattorno.it
Phone and Fax: 0039 573 735232
Mobile: 0039 392 5241668
Rubattorno Winery
51039, Quarrata - Tuscany