Spotlight on Riserva Chardonnay

As April winds down, we wanted to take one last close look at the golden charm of our Riserva Chardonnay. From the aroma to the finish, we enjoy this smooth, floral, bright, and buttery beauty all year long. Here, we’re breaking down the notes and essences this wine has to offer. Let your palate be delighted and give it a try!

 

Vanilla Bean & Clove

These pleasant notes of spice and vanilla come from the barrel fermentation and aging process of our Chardonnay

 

 

 

 

Lemon Bar

Citrus notes from the fruit meet a touch of toastiness from the oak barrel, swirling in a gorgeous lemon-bar aroma. 

 

 

 

Wildflower Honey

Notes of honey are more common in New World Chardonnays than those you might find in Europe. We are no exception!

 

 

 

Apricot

Subtle notes of this summer stone fruit make it especially appropriate for warm-weather sipping!

 

 

 

Fresh Citrus

Generally found in Chardonnay from cooler climates or earlier harvests, we are pleased with this fresh flavor swirling throughout the profile of this wine. 

 

 

 

Orange Blossom & Honeysuckle

Appearing both in the aroma and on the palate, these light floral elements round out the experience of each sip with a delicate finale.

 

 

Don't let this month slip away without getting some Chardonnay!

Earth Day 2022: Celebrating Growth

In honor of Earth day, we felt it appropriate to put our new vines in the spotlight. After the 2021 harvest, we removed about 4 acres of vines along the entrance to the estate. This block of Petite Sirah vines was due for retirement, allowing us an important chance to replant the block. Our winemaker carefully selected the clones that would be used in the new planting. In the wine world, vines within a specific varietal can be selected based on certain genetic traits, including resistance to disease or enhanced fruit quality. We chose vigorous and luxurious vines containing incredible genetic potential. Now, this block boasts brand new Zinfandel and Petite Sirah vines which will one day be capable of producing grapes worthy of our Landmark Collection’s quality and esteem. In the meantime, we have the pleasure of seeing the infant vines grow up!

In the Fall of 2021, these vines were ready to retire. 

In January of 2022, the soil was tilled and enriched with nutrients after the old vines were removed. 

By March, the trellis system was set up and the vines planted. In the foreground of this photo, experienced Cabernet Sauvignon vines look on in anticipation. 

Now in April 2022, we have the honor of seeing the first sprouts and leaves from the fledgling vines. We are very excited for what the future will hold! 

Happy Earth Day!

Rosé Sangria Three Ways

The springtime sunshine is coming out, and we’re in the mood for something especially refreshing. If you want to try something new and delicious, then it’s time for a glass or two of Rosé Sangria! Here at Rubino Estates, we offer two different Rosé wines from two famous Italian varietals: Sangiovese and Nebbiolo. Our Salute Rosé features the coppery pink beauty of Sangiovese and our Nebbiolo Rosé shines with fragrance and fruitiness. While delicious on their own, both make for show-stopping Rosé Sangria. Depending on your favorite flavors, we have three recipes for you! Try these:
 

Vibrant Strawberry & Stone Fruit

• 3 nectarines or peaches, stoned and sliced
• 200g strawberries, sliced
• 1 bottle Rosé
• Juice of 1 orange
• 1 tbsp golden caster sugar
• 50ml orange liqueur (we used Grand Marnier)
• 300ml sparkling water
• Small handful mint sprig
  ~ Recipe from BBC Good Food ~
   

Fresh Citrus Spree

• 1 bottle Rosé
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 2 cups club soda (grapefruit Le Croix)
• 1 cup triple sec
• 1 cup gin
• 1 lime, juiced
• 1 lemon, juiced
• 1 grapefruit, juiced
• 3 cups various sliced citrus of your choice
  ~ Recipe from The Modern Proper ~
   

Bourbon & Berry

• 1 bottle Rosé
• 1 cup pink grapefruit juice
• 3/4 cup bourbon
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/4 cup Chambord (raspberry liqueur)
• 2 cups watermelon balls
• 1 1/2 cups fresh sliced strawberries
• 6 ounces fresh raspberries
  ~ Recipe from A Spicy Perspective ~
   

Once you pick the recipe you love, combine all of the ingredients except the bubbly water, if used, and refrigerate for several hours or overnight. When you serve it, make sure to garnish with your favorite fruit and a sugar-rimmed glass if you’re feeling fancy!

For an unbeatable deal (and lots of Rosé for sipping or to make into Sangria)
check out our Sunset Case, available for only $99 for a limited time!

 

Elevated Grilled Cheese and Wine Pairings

This Tuesday, April 12th, is National Grilled Cheese Sandwich day. At Rubino Estates, we like to think that there’s something worth celebrating every day of the year. Of course, this holiday is one we are very excited to celebrate, since it sounds like the perfect excuse to test out some of the best cheese and wine pairings in all the creamy toasty beauty of a grilled cheese sandwich. Below, we have listed our favorite elegant grilled cheese alongside delicious wine pairings, because grilled cheese can be fancy too! After all, a bottle of wine turns any evening into an occasion. 

Fumé Blanc

For this lightly oaked Sauvignon blanc, we recommend layering a nutty havarti over soft focaccia. Gently heat to perfection with a cast-iron skillet with a flavorful layer of herb butter to create the perfect toasted crust. 

Riserva Collection Chardonnay

One reason we love our Wine of the Month is that it is difficult to go wrong with cheese and this wine! Right now, we’re in love with a classy grilled cheese of  fontina melted into challah bread with thinly sliced d’anjou pears and shredded arugula.  

Nebbiolo Rosé

This rare Rosé wine, featured in our Sunset Case, is exactly the dose of intrigue you need in your wine cellar. Pour a glass alongside grilled ciabatta bread with a generous layer of fig jam and buttery baked brie, and you’ll feel your taste buds sing!

Primitivo

Just like Nebbiolo, this wine is an elusive Italian classic that deserves all the attention. We’re pairing this sexy wine with a gorgeous grilled cheese, of course! Manchego and fuji apple, melted into rustic bread, with just a drizzle of wildflower honey. 

Riserva Cabernet Sauvignon

Cabernet is flavor’s best friend, and grilled cheese is no exception. We’re adding a few generous slices of smoked ham along with mature cheddar between two slices of homemade artisan sourdough. 

Night Owl Barbera

The flavors of the Old World shine in this Estate-grown Barbera and our favorite combinations of flavor. Try your hand at homemade roasted tomato spread with capers, layered with asiago and fontina, grilled onto thick-cut bread. 

Riserva Petite Sirah

Play with bold flavors to create the perfect companion for our Petite Sirah. We enjoy a grilled cheese with red pesto (made with sundried tomatoes) and an ample helping of swiss cheese, all melted into traditional rye bread. 

Landmark Sangiovese

For this impeccable and bright Sangiovese, we will cook with only the best. This wine is perfect for a splurge on Tuscan Pecorino, fire-roasted red peppers, and a drizzle of truffle oil. A few fine ribbons of fresh basil make this sandwich complete!

Landmark 1885 Founder’s Blend

This especially exquisite blend brings together Barbera, Petit Verdot, Petite Sirah, and a touch of Cabernet Sauvignon. We chose a crusty baguette, added a delicate layer of stone-ground mustard, and topped it with aged gouda and bacon for a melted masterpiece. 

No matter what wine you love, there’s an elevated grilled cheese waiting for it. Which one will you make?

How to Pair Chardonnay

Chardonnay is a ubiquitous classic for all white-wine lovers, and we are here to share the love! Whether you love this golden beauty or haven't yet been convinced, there's no time like the present to pop open a bottle and savor a vibrant sip! Our estate's Chardonnay fruit is a delicious example of what California has to offer. We are proud to declare our 2017 Riserva Collection Chardonnay is the Wine of the Month for April. To aid in enjoyment, we've put together a quick pairing guide so you can become a pairing pro for this luscious California-grown delight. 

 

Charcuterie

Baked Brie

Dried Apple Slices

Medium Fontina

Toffee'd Pecans

Aged Dry Salami

 

 

 

Proteins

Pan Fried Crab Cakes

Alaskan Salmon

Grilled Swordfish

Chicken Salad

Light Tofu Stir-Fry

 

 

 

Desserts

Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée

Fresh Apricot Tart

Lemon Zest Shortbread Cookies

Strawberry Shortcake

Baked Bosc Pears
 

 

If you have ever wanted to taste a sip of pure California Sunshine, then we are delighted to share our 2017 Riserva Chardonnay. Bursting with bright aromas and luscious flavors, this wine is perfect for welcoming springtime. Enchant your nose with vanilla, clove and lemon curd laced with essences of honeysuckle and wildflowers. Flavors include honeyed apricot, delicate orange blossom, and toasted s’mores! Each sip is smooth, with pleasant acidity alongside a rich body, and a deliciously lingering finish. Enjoy it while it's only $25 per bottle!