Unique & Unusual Wine Words

Have you ever been searching for just the right word to describe the wine you are tasting? To help with this, we’re turning to some of our favorite uncommon adjectives to help us describe the singular beauty and complexity of eight Rubino Estates favorites. We are hoping this list inspires word-lovers and wine-lovers alike to expand their tasting repertoire and describe the true nature of these vivacious wines!

Trebbiano - Luminous

Trebbiano is a white wine, rare in this part of the world, we find it deserving of this word, evocative of a certain gentle glow. It’s clear yet golden, and shine in the glass and on the palate. 

Fumé Blanc - Redolent

A tropical nose, layered with complexity and ripe fruit, sets this wine apart. A whisper of vanilla from its time in oak makes this wine redolent: aromatic, evocative, reminiscent of some special quality.

Riserva Chardonnay - Munificent

Anyone who takes a sip of our deliciously aromatic and buttery Chardonnay will note that it is richly generous, even lavish--encapsulated in the word “munificent.” 

Salute Rosé - Arcadian

Something about this wine has us feeling serene and peaceful. Rosé made from Sangiovese is harder to find in our region, and this varietal brings an arcadian sense of rustic tranquility to your glass.

Primitivo - Dapper

This Italian cousin of Zinfandel is trim and snazzy, with a sleek bottle and smooth tannins. If you enjoy intrigue and delight, then this wine is the debonair addition your collection is looking for.

Night Owl Barbera - Sagacious

Like the Owl that graces the label, there is something deep and profound in each pour of this Riserva collection Barbera. The wise, discerning eyes of the barn owl watch over the Estate and help bring you this sagacious wine. 

Riserva Cabernet Sauvignon - Ubiquitous

This classic varietal is pervasive and popular, with extensive planting around the world. Cabernet Sauvignon is deserving of its popularity! Enjoy the ubiquitous aromas and flavors of plums, cherries, and faintly grippy tannins.

Riserva Sangiovese - Decorous

This especially bright red wine is proper and polite with all food, with a certain courtly aroma and respectable mouthfeel. A decorous glass of this Sangiovese never rustles feathers or disappoints. 

All of the wines above are featured in our curated mixed cases, at unbeatable prices!
Available only while supplies last.

The Tale of Cuvée Dray

“This deep and plush wine boasts sultry oak spices like cinnamon, vanilla and wood smoke that layer through very ripe and delicious black-fruit flavors. Its moderate tannins lend good counterpoint to all the mellow richness of the flavors.” JIM GORDON

The quote to the left, taken from a review by Wine Enthusiast’s Jim Gordon, speaks of the subtleties and allure of our beloved Cuvée Dray, a red wine blend that earned its place in our tasting room and left a mark on our hearts. Though crafted from finely vinified estate-grown fruit and reminiscent of a Bordeaux beauty, this critically acclaimed blend is more than just another wine. 

Cuvée Dray, named for our beloved winery dog, Draymond, has been a labor of love from its earliest conception. During the lockdowns of 2020, when we needed a way to look toward brighter days, a lot of us turned towards our pets for companionship. In them, we could find a break from the negativity happening around us. With some extra time on our hands and renewed love for our furry friends, an idea was born: a wine crafted that for every bottle sold, we would donate $10 to our friends at Valley Humane Society. 

Our Winemaker Jesse painstakingly crafted several blends with names inspired by our four-legged friend, and the blend and name "Cuvée Dray" were the winners. Soon, a label was designed, based on a picture of Draymond as a puppy in the vineyard. 

The next chapter, you may already know. After being released in both the Ruby Hill and Rubino Estates tasting rooms in August, the gorgeous wine and adorable bottle captured the palates and hearts of many. When this project started, our goal was to raise $20,000 for Valley Humane Society and their work to improve the lives of animals and the people who love them. We are proud to announce that through the sales of our 2019 vintage of Cuvée Dray, which sold out just weeks ago, we have raised and donated a grand total of $21,730 to the Valley Humane Society. We could not have done it without you! 

The good news for all the wine-lovers and dog-lovers out there: the Cuvée Dray will be coming back. The magic in the barrels will be bottled later this year, and we look forward to welcoming another vintage of Cuvée Dray back to the tasting room sometime this summer.

Want to savor other critically acclaimed wines? Check out our case sales!

Romantic Food and Wine Pairings

With Valentine's Day right around the corner, we thought it was the perfect time to put together a pairing guide for some of the most romantic foods! These foods have been selected from traditional folklore and modern science as having properties suited for especially amorous dining. Depending on what kind of wine you and your special someone enjoy, we have a few different ideas for you. Food and wine make for an elegant evening anytime, so let your Valentine's day shine with these romantic food and wine pairings.

If you are drinking Sparkling Wine...

Pop open a bottle, it's time to celebrate love! This wine is all about excitement and effervescence, and makes every moment special. Best of all, it's a food pairing superstar, lending itself well to a wide range of foods. 

Oysters - A classic food at upscale or romantic dinners, the salty and briny flavors of fresh oysters are a delicious accompaniment for a glass of sparkling. If you want to try something more complex, check out this mouthwatering recipe for Oysters Rockefeller by Lorigoldsby.

Basil - The clean, invigorating scent and fresh flavor of basil are hard to pass up, especially when paired with other ingredients. Enjoy the taste of luxurious simplicity by selecting the finest tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil for a Caprese Salad with Balsamic Glaze, like this recipe from Once Upon a Chef.

Figs - The natural sweetness of a ripe or dried fig can be intoxicating, and even more so when prepared with love and a splash of Sparkling wine, like in this recipe for Drunken Honeyed Figs By Erica De Mane. Try leaning into your sweet tooth and enjoy this alongside our sparkling Moscato!

If you are drinking White Wine...

White Wine is the perfect choice for a pleasant evening. Enjoy the buttery cream character of Chardonnay, the crisp minerality of a Trebbiano, or the lightly oaked aromas of a Fumé Blanc.  Whatever you choose, there's a romantic food waiting to come alongside. 

Apples - It is difficult to top a gorgeous apple in all of its crisp, sweet, and refreshing flavors, but we're opening a bottle of Fumé Blanc and recommending these Grilled Apple and Gruyere Sandwiches from Southern Boy Dishes.

Sweet Potatoes - For lovers of Chardonnay, we recommend leaning into a recipe for sweet potatoes for a romantically sweet and buttery dish. These Melting Sweet Potatoes from Dessert for Two are exactly what you need to elevate your evening.

Avocado - To compliment the light minerality of our Trebbiano, we turn to the rich creaminess of avocadoes. To capitalize on bright and beautiful flavor, try these Avocado Summer Rolls from Love and Lemons. You won't be disappointed! 

If you are drinking Red Wine... 

In our opinion, reds are the best option for Valentine's day. Whether you are looking for the bright cherry flavors of a Sangiovese or the rich cocoa notes of a Petite Sirah, there is allure to be found in every bottle. Enjoy these romantic pairings!

Arugula - We love any wine pairing with rustic Italian flair, so it's natural to pair our Night Owl Barbera with this recipe for a sun-dried tomato and arugula pizza. Try cooking together with your special someone! 

Truffles - Prized for their rarity and earthy decadence, truffles are a perfect addition to a special occasion. Enjoy a beautiful Truffled Pappardelle Carbonara with a sexy glass of Landmark Founder's Blend. 

Chocolate - Of course, Valentine's day would be sorely incomplete without the sweet enticement of a chocolate covered strawberry. Enjoy the reddest, ripest strawberries enrobed in your favorite semisweet chocolate. An accompanying glass of our Landmark Sangiovese won't hurt either!

Simple Rosé Alfredo for Fettuccine Alfredo Day

Happy February! This month, we are celebrating our Salute Rosé and the delicious coppery delight it offers with every sip. This week, we were inspired by National Fettuccine Alfredo day (February 7th) to try out a very easy and absolutely delicious recipe for Rosé Alfredo. Using mostly pantry staples and coming together in less than half an hour, this might just become a go-to pasta night mainstay, and not just because you get to open a bottle of wine! 

Ingredients

• 1 pound Linguine or similar pasta - we used Bucatini
• 1/2 cup butter
• 2 medium shallots, diced
• 4-6 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 cup Rubino Estates Salute Rosé
• 1 tablespoon organic tomato paste
• 1 1/2 cups organic parmesan cheese, freshly grated
• 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
• 1 sprig fresh basil leaves, chopped, plus more for garnish
• Salt and pepper to taste. 

Instructions

1. Bring a few quarts of heavily salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook to al dente.
2. While the pasta cooks, melt the butter over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Once the butter has melted, adjust the heat to medium and add the shallots and garlic. Sauté until just fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add in the wine, tomato paste, and salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the heat to high and bring the sauce to a boil. Once boiling, add 1/2 cup of starchy pasta water and boil on high for 5 minutes.
3. When the pasta has finished cooking, add it directly into the pan and toss to coat. Remove pan from the heat and add in the parmesan cheese and chopped basil. Continue to toss the pasta around the pan until the pasta is coated evenly and the cheese has melted into the sauce. 
4. Divide the pasta in bowls and top with parmesan cheese, parsley and some more pepper.

Recipe adapted from Grant Melton for Food 52

Want to try a different take on this creamy pasta classic? Try these!

Creamy Rosé Pasta - This recipe creates a decadent version of our featured recipe, but made vegan. For all of our plant-based friends and health-minded wine lovers, this recipe is for you. We recommend the Salute Rosé or our Nebbiolo Rosé in and with this recipe!

Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo - This rendition takes the creaminess and the garlic to the next level, with some added protein from the chicken. Try this deluxe meal when you’re in the mood for some comfort food to pair with Riserva Chardonnay!

Cajun Chicken Alfredo - If you need a little extra spice and flavor, then this is for you. Creamy and rich sauce combined with the generous flavor of blackened cajun chicken makes this a dish to remember—and make again and again. Pair with Landmark Collection Chardonnay.