The Rubio EstateFounded: 2003 by Francisco Rubio
Region and grape source: The winery and their vineyards are located in Valle de Guadalupe approximately 11 miles from the Pacific Ocean. All grapes are sourced from their estate vineyards.
Vineyard specifics: Valle de Guadalupe - 1,100 ft - (Tempranillo, Nebbiolo, Sangiovese, Montepulciano, Chenin Blanc, Palomino). Clay and decomposed sandstone mix. The site is one of the highest on the valley wall and has a gentle slope that faces southwest. 14 miles from the Pacific. Farming is organic.
Winemaker: Alberto Rubio (Mexican born, lives in Valle de Guadalupe)
Notes:
- They are the definition of a family run winery - all grapes are picked by hand and every family member has a role in an aspect of the operation. The tribe stays together.
- The elephants on the labels each represent specific members of the family. The animal serves as a symbol of the fact that elephants always operate in packs or family units and have the survival strategy of surrounding, (rather than out running as is the strategy of survival for many species) the young, fragile and old members of the community when under attack. If you visit their winery, you find their father running the tastings, their mother serving the food, the cousin making the wine, the younger brother running the kitchen, etc.
Total production: 10 acres under vine, 6 wines, 2,000 cases
2018 Sangiovese - Bodegas F. Rubio
Tasting Notes and Drinking Window:
Presenting with the same elegance and finesse of previous vintages this drinks like similar to a top notch Gamay from one of the crus of Beaujolais. A slightly thin year in terms of yield, the fruit is going to take a little time to unwind and resolve into the barrel notes on this one. That said, with a small decant it’s accessible right now, which puts it on the list of wines worth trying immediately and again over the coming years to witness its evolution and resolve.
128 cases made
Drinking window: Now - 7 years
Vintage:
2018
Blend:
100% Sangiovese
Producer:
Bodegas F. Rubio
Winemaker:
Alberto Rubio - Mexican
Vineyards:
Valle de Guadalupe, ejido of El Porvenir - Estate vineyards are 11 years old and planted in soil of clay and decomposed sandstone mix. At 1,150 ft, the site is one of the highest on the valley wall and has a gentle slope that faces southwest.
Aging:
12 months in French oak, 30% new 70% used
Farming:
Organic, sustainable
Alcohol:
13.5%
