A Taste of the Past

If we turned back the clock 136 years, what could we expect? In 1885, California had been a state for only 35 years. Its growth was finally beginning to take off, nearing one million people. The little town of Livermore, California was 16 years old and boasted a climate perfect for growing wine grapes. In a red clay knoll on the edge of town, a man named John Crellin planted a 200 acre vineyard. In many ways, 1885 was a different world. 

Presidents & Monuments

Early in 1885, incumbent President Chester A. Arthur dedicated the Washington Monument, which had taken nearly 40 years to complete due to funding, structural, and political issues. On March 4th of 1885, President Grover Cleveland was sworn in as the 22nd President (he would be elected again as the 24th President in 1892). In June of 1885, the French ship Isère arrived in New York Harbor, carrying the Statue of Liberty. 

Entertainment & Pastimes

In 1885, Johannes Brahms’ phenomenal Symphony No. 4 premiered in Meiningen, Germany, with Brahms himself conducting it. In America, the first patent for a roller coaster was granted and Good Housekeeping magazine went on sale for the first time. P. T. Barnum split from his business partner, James Bailey, but continued his wildly popular Circus show. 

Labor & Economy

After the gold rush, California was a place of relative wealth and growing population. In San Francisco, an average laborer could expect to make around $9 per week, while more specialized trades (like bookbinders and blacksmiths) made as much as $20 per week. A loaf of bread would cost about 7¢, while coffee cost an astonishing 30¢ per pound. In 1885, Charles Dow debuted the first edition of the Dow Jones Industrial Average. At the time, the index stood at a level of 62.76, representing the dollar average for stocks of 12 railroads and two leading American industries.

Inventions & Engineering

1885 was a monumental year for transportation. At that time, the train was king, but change was foreshadowed. That year the Daimler Reitwagen, regarded as the first modern motorcycle, was patented in Germany by Gottlieb Daimler and Wilhelm Maybach. Soon after, Karl Benz began production of the Benz Patent-Motorwagen, the first automobile, which was patented the following year. Meanwhile, in the US, the Home Insurance Building in Chicago was completed, becoming the first skyscraper in the world, boasting 10 floors and a fireproof metal frame. 

Science & Medicine

Medical milestones in 1885 included the first successful treatment against rabies, which was considered a death sentence prior to this development. The rabies vaccine was developed in part by Louis Pasteur, the French scientist who invented pasteurization. Astronomers were also at work looking up into the stars. In 1885, they recorded the presence of a supernova, naming it S Andromedae, the first supernova to ever be identified outside of our own galaxy.

Food & Drink

In late 1885, Dr. Pepper was served for the first time, introduced in Waco, Texas by a pharmacist named Charles Alderton. Further West, California’s wine country was in its infancy. One New York based distributor included a small section in their wine price list for "California Wines" which ranged in price from 50-75 cents per bottle. Dessert wine from California was available in bulk for $1.50—per gallon (about 5 bottles).

It was into this world that John Crellin’s Estate vineyard grew. Today, Rubino Estates continues the legacy of viticulture, growing wine grapes in the Estate’s favorable climate and red clay soil. From our Founder in 1885 to present day, we are proud to continue this legacy. In honor of our Estate’s origin, we have proudly introduced a new wine to our Landmark Collection. Our Landmark 1885 Founder’s Blend is a delicious celebration of history and heritage. 

May 28, 2021 at 6:55 AM Permalink

What to Eat with your May Release

Starting this week, our members have to opportunity to pick up their wines from our May release, and we're so excited to share in the festive spirit. To celebrate, we've put together a few pairing ideas for all of our release wines. We've got starters, sides, and dessert, so it's time to open your favorite bottle and get cooking!

Riserva Chardonnay - Pear Salad with Candied Walnuts

This salad marries together a symphony of flavors and textures; the sweet crunch of the candied walnuts meets creamy diced avocado, tangy feta, and soft pears, topped with a simple lemon poppyseed dressing. Enjoy alongside the gorgeous aroma and rich body of our Riserva Chardonnay for a fresh and delicious pairing. 

 
Amuleto - Pasta with Walnut Pesto, Sausage, and Broccoli Rabe

A simple but mouthwatering combination of fresh walnut pesto and Italian sausage joins broccoli rabe and tender rigatoni for a fresh and delicious dish. Served alongside our bright and expressive Famiglia Collection Amuleto, you’ll have a combination to crave. For an easy vegetarian alternative, remove the sausage or substitute it with squash seasoned with sage and caraway. 

 Night Owl Barbera - Smoked Pepperoni & Basil Pizza

It’s hard to say no to pizza, so we’re leaning into our specialty: Italian style. Our Night Owl Barbera has a full body and food-friendly acidity, making it perfect for all kinds of pairings. It’s right at home next to a homemade pizza! Add any toppings you like; today we’re going for smoked pepperoni and basil. 

Landmark 1885 Founder's Blend - Homemade Truffle Fries

The 1885 Founder’s Blend is a brand-new addition to our Landmark collection, named in honor of the year 1885, when our original estate vineyard was planted by founder John Crellin. This 2018 red blend is smooth and rich with notes of dark fruit, making for a lovely pairing with the earthy and salty notes of homemade truffle fries. 

 
Landmark Proprietary Red - Pan Seared Steak with Mushrooms

Though the components of our Proprietary Red blend are a close-kept secret, it’s no secret that it pairs fabulously with pan-seared steak. Pull out your favorite cast-iron skillet and try a boneless ribeye or New York strip steaks in this surprisingly simple recipe. Savor your juicy steak and the savory earthiness of the mushrooms with a generous pour of our silky and inviting Proprietary Red. 

 
Landmark Chardonnay -  Blood Orange Soufflé​

These sweet tangy masterpieces are fluffy, warm, and classy—perfect for pairing with our Landmark Chardonnay. Enjoy sipping on exquisite honeyed aromas and stone fruit flavors infused with butterscotch, then bite into the fresh citrus warmth of these blood-orange souffles. 

Happy release! Which pairing is your favorite? Let us know! @rubinoestates
If you're interested in becoming part of the Rubino Estaes Famiglia, click here to learn more about our Wine Club!

May 21, 2021 at 5:39 AM Permalink

Italian Wine Varietals You Should Know

Salute! Here at Rubino Estates, we are proud to bring a taste of Italy to the Livermore Wine Country scene. We are a Cal-Ital winery, infusing old world flair into our wines and borrowing from the rich legacies of both Italian and Californian winemaking. Some of our varietals, such as our Riserva Petite Sirah and Cabernet Sauvignon are familiar classics, while others, such as our Nebbiolo and Trebbiano are rare, delightful, and intriguing. Some of the varietals we feature are rarely grown outside of Italy. 

Trebbiano

Trebbiano grapes are a pale green, yielding wines that are light in color and on the palate. Refreshing, dry, and crisp, a glass of perfectly chilled Trebbiano is delectable on a summer day. Trebbiano supposedly originated in the eastern Mediterranean regions, making its way to Italy by the Roman times. This easygoing wine is perfect for pairing with all sorts of dishes, especially Mediterranean cuisine. In the US, Trebbiano is a rare find, but wines from the large Trebbiano family account for around one-third of Italy’s white wines. 

Sangiovese

Sangiovese, often called by the nickname “Sangio” around here, grows prolifically in its home region of Tuscany. Sangiovese is featured in the famous “Super Tuscans” and Chianti Classico, and is the most planted varietal in Italy. In the US, it’s much harder to find. Italy boasts about 155,000 acres of Sangiovese vines—the most planted varietal in the county—while the US grows only 2,000 acres. This varietal’s deep purple grapes produce a gorgeous red color and cherry flavors, with intriguing flavor variation determined by the growing environment. 

Primitivo

Primitivo is a curious varietal. Genetically, it is identical to Zinfandel, but Italian influence in the winemaking process differs this wine from its close relative. Originally from Croatia, Primitivo was first planted in Italy in the 1700s and now grows heartily in Puglia, the “heel” to Italy’s “boot.” Primitivo earned its name from the Latin word for “early ripening” since Primitivo grapes reach maturity sooner than similar varietals. Primitivo yields wines that are big, jammy, and rustic, perfect for pairing with classic Italian dishes. 

Nebbiolo

Another lesser-known red varietal, Nebbiolo is grown almost exclusively in the Piedmont region of Italy. Historical records as far back as 1268 feature Nebbiolo as a prominent wine grape. The US grows as little as 170 total acres of Nebbiolo nationwide, so we are proud to offer this gem here at our Cal-Ital winery in the form of our Landmark Collection Nebbiolo as well as Rosé of Nebbiolo. The tannic nature of Nebbiolo grapes makes the wine ideal for aging, even holding steady for 20 years or more. The color is a pleasant red and surprisingly bright for being the yield of a purple-black grape. 

Barbera

Here in the US, Barbera is one of the best-known Italian varietals, partially due to its vigorous and adaptable nature. Just like us, Barbera loves warm weather, which California has in abundance.This varietal’s prolific vines are known for easy drinking wines that are also worthy of savoring. Barbera grapes are a picturesque purple and yield medium-bodied, dry reds that are simultaneously fruity and savory. If you are looking for a reliable and versatile wine for food pairings, Barbera is the right red for you!

Now that you've got the background info, it's time for the fun part: tasting them! Our tasting room is open seven days a week so we're always here to raise a glass. 

Did we miss your favorite varietal? Let us know on social media @rubinoestates! 

May 14, 2021 at 6:46 AM Permalink

Double-Chocolate Petite Sirah Cookies

If you’ve got a sweet tooth, then we’ve got the perfect recipe for you. This week, we’re baking decadent double-chocolate cookies to enjoy as a scrumptious food pairing. Our secret ingredient? Wine, of course! We’ve incorporated our award winning 2017 Riserva Petite Sirah into these fudgy masterpieces and the results are heavenly. This dessert pairs the classic couple: chocolate and wine, while adding the excitement of cookies and a flavor reminiscent of red velvet cake and chocolate covered cherries. We must warn that these cookies may be addictive and should be made frequently. 

Double-Chocolate Riserva Cookies

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup cocoa powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ cup Irish butter
• ½ cup granulated cane sugar
• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg
• ½ tsp vanilla
• ½ cup Rubino Estates Riserva Petite Sirah
• 12 oz Guittard semisweet chocolate chips

1. All ingredients should be at room temperature.
2. In a medium-sized bowl, sift the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking soda together. Set aside. 
3. In the workbowl of a stand mixer, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar on medium speed. Scrape down the sides to ensure the ingredients combine.
4. With the mixer turned off, add the egg, vanilla, and Petite Sirah. Combine on medium low until a smooth consistency is reached. At this point, your dough should be purple.
5. We recommend pausing for a moment and pouring a separate glass and taking a sip. It makes the process better.
6. Add the dry ingredient mixture in two increments, mixing to combine after each addition.
7. Once the flour is combined, add the chocolate chips. Mix until the chocolate chips are distributed. 
8. Cover the dough and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
9. When ready to bake, preheat oven to 375° F. 
10. Scoop rounded tablespoons onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spaced at least 4 inches apart.
11. Bake for 8-10 minutes, rotating halfway through to ensure even baking.
12. Once removed from the oven, allow the cookies to cool on the pan for a few minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.

Click here for a downloadable recipe card! 

Serve fresh with the rest of your Petite Sirah! We don't want any wine going to waste, of course. These cookies are perfect anytime, not just with wine. Enjoy with your coffee in the morning or tea in the afternoon! They'll keep fresh in an airtight container for up to 3 days. 

What's your favorite wine and dessert pairing? Let us know on social media @rubinoestates!

May 7, 2021 at 5:34 AM Permalink

Things You Might Not Know about Cabernet Sauvignon

Cabernet Sauvignon is called the "King of Wine Grapes," and with good reason. You know its classic, luxurious taste, but how much do you know about its vines and history? Here’s a few things every Cab lover should know!

Cabernet Sauvignon is the most widely planted grape varietal in the world. 

According to Forbes, there are at least 840,000 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon grapes planted worldwide. Though Cab has been increasing in popularity in its centuries of existence, it has experienced several surges in popularity. Between 1990 and 2010 alone, the worldwide acreage of Cabernet Sauvignon grapes doubled. Now, these grapes can be found growing on every continent except Antarctica. 

Cabernet Sauvignon is like true love

Because it just gets better with age! Cabernet is known to increase in quality overtime in the cellar, and can even maintain quality over decades. This reliability is due to its tanninc nature. Not only are the tannins a delight to the palate, they ensure the enduring quality of the bottle if properly cellared. Cabernet Sauvignon earns this pleasant tannin character because the individual grapes are quite small and the skins are thick. 

Cabernet Sauvignon is the star child of a famous family

The origins of this varietal were quite mysterious until a group of researchers at UC Davis discovered that it was the result of a (likely accidental) marriage of Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Franc vines. This romance was a surprise to many sommeliers who would not have correlated a delicate white wine like Sauvignon Blanc with such rich red offspring. Cabernet Sauvignon also shares a father with Merlot grapes, which are also offspring of Cabernet Franc. 

Cabernet Sauvignon loves California

Just like us, Cabernet Sauvignon loves warm days as long as it gets some shade along the way. Cab ripens late and requires warmth to reach full ripeness. When Cabernet grapes are grown in cooler places, they generally exhibit notes of green pepper or eucalyptus, while warmer climate Cab is more fruit-forward. Both flavor profiles are sought after and are merely a matter of personal preference. 

Cabernet Sauvignon is sometimes worth its weight in gold

Wine collectors and investors may regularly spend hundreds of dollars on rare or exclusive wines, and aged Cabernet Sauvignon is an excellent catch for a collector. The highest sale for any bottle of wine ever recorded was in 1992, when a 6 liter bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon sold at a charity auction for $500,000.

Cabernet Sauvignon is food's best friend

There's nothing quite like a marbeled ribeye, served perfectly medium rare with a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon. Many sommeliers agree that one of the best meats for this wine is actually lamb, best served roasted to medium wellness. Younger Cabs are specially suited to all kinds of richer meats due to the tannins that actually act as tastebud "scrapers," refreshing the palate between bites. As Cab ages, its tannins mellow out and integrate, broadening the pairing potential even further.

Cabernet Sauvignon helped a winemaking revolution

A delicious California Cabernet Sauvignon took center stage for one of the biggest upheavals in the modern history of wine. During the Paris Wine Tasting of 1976, a panel of French judges ranked California-grown Cabernet Sauvignon above French Cabernet Sauvignon in a blind tasting. Before that moment, wines grown in the native soil of the Bordeaux region were generally assumed to be the best in the world. Form then on, California's Cabernet Sauvignon could not be ignored. In the wine world, this historic tasting has become known as the “Judgment of Paris.”

Cabernet Sauvignon is a solo performer and a team player

In addition to tasting excellent as a standalone varietal, Cabernet provides an excellent backbone for a multitude of red blends. Most bordeaux-style blends owe some of their structure and flavor profile to the presence of this reliable grape. Many bottles of Cabernet also have a touch of another varietal; each winemaker adds their own personality and flair to the blend. As a Cal-Ital winery, we infuse a bit of Italian flair with just a touch of Barbera. 

Here at Rubino Estates, we are proud to offer a California-Italian spin on this Bordeaux classic, recently awaraded a Double-Gold medal in the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition. Come by to give it a taste today, or place an order now!

Apr 30, 2021 at 12:54 AM Permalink

A North American Owl Prowl

In honor of Earth Week, we’re taking some time to honor and appreciate owls, some of the most majestic and beautiful creatures in our area. Here at Rubino Estates, we provide owl boxes for these incredible birds who patrol our vineyards from dusk until dawn, providing ambience, wonder, and natural pest control. Our Night Owl Barbera is named in honor of these mysterious nighttime visitors.  

In folklore, owls have long been associated with wisdom and have been set apart from other birds for their many exceptional qualities. Most famously, their heads can swivel an astonishing 270 degrees, but that is not the only exceptional feature of this creature. Owls are “zygodactyl” meaning that they have three toes, one of which acts similar to a thumb. A group of owls is called a Parliament, inspired by a description of a meeting of owls in C.S. Lewis’s Chronicles of Narnia. Our region boasts many members of these parliaments, all with fascinating characteristics.

The Great Horned Owl is one of the most adaptable owls, an can be found living all across North America. They’re a talkative bunch, with the males’ call audible from a few miles away on a clear night. They are named for the distinctive tufts of feathers which stick upwards from their head, resembling horns. They’re fierce, intimidating, and have few natural predators—allowing them to live upwards of 28 years. 

The Northern Pygmy Owl earns its name from its small size, but don’t trifle with one! They are talented hunters and are known to take on prey up to three times their own size. They are less nocturnal than most owls, hunting mostly during the day. They also dress up to protect from possible predators; with a unique feather pattern on the back of their heads resembling eyes, they are always watching!

The Short-Eared Owls are like the Wright brothers of this family of birds, as they are especially talented at flying. Their smaller bodies are well suited to taking wing, with a migration length of up to 1,200miles. To avert predators, they will lift their ear tufts or excrete on their own eggs. Short-Eared owls are elusive and happy in forests as well as marshes, fields, and even tundra.

The Western Screech Owl has another unique strategy for pest control in the nest; they are known to bring blind snakes into their nests as “pets” when their eggs have not yet hatched in order to keep pests like ants and flies away. These little owls are comfortable in more urban areas like city parks, but have excellent camouflage and thus often go undetected. 

The Great Grey Owl is one of the most awe-inspiring owls in the world. Even in flight, these birds are often completely silent as they hunt for mice, small mammals, and other birds. These huge, rarely spotted birds can grow up to 5 feet in wingspan. Rather than building their own nests, they exert their dominance and simply steal from other birds. Great Grey owls are sometimes called bearded owls, but have also been known as “The Phantom of the North.” 

The Barn Owl, named for their tendency to prefer caves and barns over nests, are talented nocturnal hunters. Their feathers are designed to make them exceptionally quiet, making them the perfect fit for nighttime pest control in our vineyards. Their hearing is so keen that they can pinpoint prey even in blackout conditions. These owls mate for life, which is fitting as these lovebirds are known for their heart-shaped faces. Other names for the Barn Owl are the Church Owl or a Ghost Owl.

Our Night Owl Barbera features a label embossed with the winsome visage of a barn owl in flight. All of the grapes grown for this classic Italian red are grown in our estate vineyards, all of which are guarded by the faithful watch of these creatures. We have installed a number of owl boxes throughout the estate, some of which are pictured below, to welcome their presence. Here at Rubino Estates Winery, we are committed to sustainability and caring for nature because we want to say thank you to all of the ecosystems that enrich our lives everyday.

Apr 23, 2021 at 12:21 AM Permalink

The Portfolio Experience Returns to Rubino Estates

        In an unassuming nook of the Rubino Estates tasting room, there is a hidden door leading to the coveted Library room. This vault-like chamber is nestled between our main tasting room and the production cellar, where our wines come to life. This room is used for one purpose: to showcase and enjoy the highest-quality, most luxurious wines during our Portfolio Tastings. There, you will experience the finest wines we have to offer from Rubino Estates, as well as the topmost wines from our sister winery, Ruby Hill. Along the way, you will be guided by one of our knowledgeable Wine Ambassadors and treated to delicious food offerings. Nothing compares to this experience, showcasing the best of the best: our Portfolio.

     More than a year has passed since we were last able to host this experience, so we are pleased to announce that we will offer the Portfolio Tasting experience once more! To give a taste of what this experience entails, we have provided information below about the luxurious offerings in this tasting. Though the wines featured in our Portfolio change from time to time, we are proud to resume this experience featuring the following wines. 

From Rubino Estates Winery's Landmark Collection: 

2018 Landmark Chardonnay

This critically-acclaimed and expertly crafted Chardonnay is creamy through-and-through with a touch of butterscotch sweetness. Experience the aroma of honeyed fruit, vanilla, and a touch of oak, with a full-bodied mouthfeel followed by a long finish with flavors of stone fruit. This wine was awarded 92 points from Wine Enthusiast, emphasizing "aromas of toasted oak and roasted walnuts, rich and deep Bosc pear flavors and a deliciously thick texture that helps carry it all through a lingering finish."

 

2017 Landmark Sangiovese

Crafted from carefully selected hand-harvested clusters of our Estate-grown Sangiovese, this classic Italian red is a delight to the eye and to the palate. This wine is elegant and pleasantly balanced, with a friendly level of acidity allowing it to pair perfectly with most dishes. Vibrant notes of ripe strawberry and black cherry mingle with notes of vanilla and baking spices in the aroma, while flavors of kiwi and black pepper emerge on the palate. Soft tannins and a full mouthfeel ensure ultimate satisfaction with this wine. 

2017 Landmark Proprietary Red

Our Proprietary Red earned its name through its exclusivity: the exact components of this luxurious red blend are known only to the winemaker. The secret is closely guarded, though many have proposed theories regarding the makeup of the blend. As for us, we appreciate the air of mystery, and find the wine undeniably stupendous. After a layered fruit aroma with a touch of floral and vanilla character, this wine continues to delight with a full, silky mouthfeel and a luxuriously long finish. We invite all of our Portfolio Tasting guests to be intrigued by the unique and inviting complexity of our Proprietary Red. 

 

From Ruby Hill Winery's Jewel Collection:

2018 Jewel Petit Verdot

Borrowed from our sister winery, Ruby Hill, the Jewel Petit Verdot continues the legacy of carefully grown and vinified wines. Proudly bearing the historic Ruby Hill likeness, this bottle is right at home open on the table or aging in the cellar. A nuanced aroma of violets, lilacs, berries, and plums greets the nose, and the palate enhances the fruit and floral notes with hints of toasted oak. Integrated tannins structure the mouthfeel, ensuring a deliciously pleasing sip. The Jewel Petit Verdot undergoes a limited production, so it's always worth enjoying before it's gone!
 

2017 Jewel Cabernet Sauvignon

Representing the epitome of Ruby Hill's winemaking, the wines created for the Jewel Collection are designed to showcase the best of what the Estate has to offer. This elegant, handcrafted Cabernet Sauvignon tastes like pure luxury, earning 92 points from Wine Enthusiast. Blueberry and marionberry aromas mingle together on the nose of this wine. On the palate, the wine continues with mixed berry flavors, with a hint of vanilla peeking through in the mid palate. Graceful tannins and a full mouthfeel lead to a very long, pleasant finish. 

In addition to these stellar bottles, guests will also have the exclusive opportunity to taste a future wine, pulled from a barrel in our cellar. If you are interested in experiencing our Portfolio for yourself, reservations are now available for groups of 4-6. Click here to reserve now!

Apr 16, 2021 at 12:18 AM Permalink

How We Do Cheese Fondue

        It's no secret that cheese and wine are good friends, so we're not surprised that cheese fondue is a perfectly decadent and delicious indulgence. If you are looking to make the ultimate spread of dippers for cheese fondue, look no further! We've rounded up the most delectable fruits, vegetables, meats, and breads for the ultimate fondue night, so we can put together the best kind of charcuterie: a fondue board.

Meats

Almost every fully cooked meat can make itself at home in a cocoon of cheese. Classics for cheese include grilled shrimp, poached chicken, or a juicy filet (cut into cubes, or course). Sausage and meatballs are less conventional but delicious nonetheless. For a touch of salty sharpness, play around with cured meats like prosciutto or peppered salami. For a vegetarian option, baked tofu or quick stir-fried tempeh are perfect savory options. 

Vegetables

The rule of thumb for vegetables: If you like it raw, you'll like it dipped in cheese. Fondue makes getting your daily serving of veggies as easy as can be! Fresh veggies like broccoli, snap peas, and carrots add a satisfying crunch, and blanching these ahead of time is perfect. You can play with flavors by roasting other veggies like cauliflower or brussels sprouts. For a unique sharpness, try baby pickles or sliced barrel pickles. Roasted baby potatoes are also a mouthwatering addition to the spread. 

Fruits

Don't be afraid to bring a little sweetness to a cheese fondue party! Fruit finds a home on gourmet cheese boards, so why not make it at home enveloped with gourmet cheese? Our favorite fresh fruits for dipping include seedless grapes, green apples, and pears. For the more adventerous palate, try pineapple or even seasonal melons. Dried fruits like smyrna figs or apricots are also a delicious pick.  

Breads

Fondue was originally enjoyed as a solution for reviving stale bread, so make sure to carve up a good loaf to honor the tradition! When it comes to the best bread to choose, the crustier the better. Choose a bread with some structural integrity as well as good nooks and crannies for capturing the cheesy goodness. Don't shy away from bolder flavors like sourdough, rye, or even pumpernickel.

        Though the only rule of fondue that we ascribe to is "enjoy!" we also appreciate the supersitious ettiquette of fondue. For example, there are only a few beverages that traditionally pair with this dish, or else the diners may become ill! Fortunately, white wine is on the list so we're opening a bottle of Fumé Blanc to be safe. As you make your fondue, keep your stirring in mind: only clockwise or figure-eight patterns are proper. Lastly, make sure to twirl your skewer so the luscious strings of cheese envelop each tasty morsel while keeping the table clean.

        With our love for Italian flair here at Rubino Estates, we're drawn to recipes that bring a touch of Italy to this classic French-Swiss dish. We love this recipe for cheese fondue with Taleggio and Fontina! Grab your fondue pot and your skewers, and let's get dipping.

How do you fondue? Let us know @rubinoestates.

Apr 9, 2021 at 12:00 AM Permalink

April's Wine of the Month: Riserva Cabernet Sauvignon

The Rubino Estates 2017 Riserva Cabernet Sauvignon was just awarded Double Gold in the San Francisco Wine Competition, just in time to become our Wine of the Month for April! This beautifully balanced wine is complex while still being approachable. As is our specialty here at Rubino Estates, we've put an Italian spin on this traditional Bordeaux classic, composing it of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Barbera, 6% Petit Verdot, 3% Petite Sirah, and 2% Syrah. We love it on its own, but it's also absolutely stellar for pairing. This week, we're starting off with an appetizer of Portabella and Goat Cheese Tarts to compliment the light grip of the tannins and the food-friendly acidity of our Cabernet Sauvignon. 

A classy step up from chips and dip, these tiny tarts are the perfect savory appetizer pairing for our Riserva Cabernet Sauvignon. This recipe is easy, delicious, and a great springboard for experimenting with your own flavor combinations! Feel free to switch up the cheese, play with herbs and spices, or garnish with other savory toppings. A hard cheese like aged gouda, a dash of fresh rosemary, or sweet caramelized shallots would all be heavenly additions to this recipe. 

Portabella and Goat Cheese Tarts

• 1/2 sheet puff pastry
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 pound baby portabella mushrooms, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed
• 1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese
• 4 teaspoons finely chopped parsley

Directions:

1. Preheat an oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Lightly grease a baking tray.
2. Lay puff pastry out on a lightly floured surface and cut into 8 squares. Prick the squares in several places with a fork and place on the prepared baking sheet.
3. Bake the puff pastry squares for 7 minutes, then remove the tray from the oven and flatten the squares using the backside of a spatula. Return the puff pastry to the oven to bake until golden brown, 5 to 8 minutes. Remove from oven.
4. Meanwhile, melt the butter in a skillet over high heat. Sautée the mushrooms and garlic in the butter until mushrooms are tender, 5 to 7 minutes, then remove from heat.
5. Top the baked puff pastry squares evenly with the mushroom mixture, then crumble goat cheese over mushrooms. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve. 

These mouthwatering little tarts are just one of countless pairing options. If you have another favorite, we'd love to hear about it! We love new ideas, so let us know @rubinoestates. For your pairing pleasure, our Riserva Cabernet Sauvignon is available for only $27 for the month of April. 

Apr 2, 2021 at 12:00 AM Permalink

Springtime at the Estate

Every visitor to Rubino Estates is greeted by Lasaone, the maiden of spring. She faces the avenue leading to the Estate, welcoming everyone to dwell on the quiet majesty of natural beauty. 

Stories about the transition from the cold season to the colorful growing season are hallmarks of human tradition and myth. With modern scientific understanding of the earth's axis and orbit, we're aware of the natural causes for springtime and the shifts in weather. Even so, we think it's beneficial to be enchanted by the change from cold and dormant to warm and colorful, observing the beauty of blossoms and sunshine with wonder. This week, we're looking into the myths and traditions of old to connect with timeless nature of what springtime brings to the Estate.

Light and Warmth

In Norse mythology, the god primarily associated with spring was Baldur, the god of light. Baldur was one of the most beloved deities within Norse myth. He was always depicted as attractive, and was praised for bringing light to springtime. At Rubino Estates, we appreciate the sunny days and pleasant warmth drawing the plants out of dormancy and waving goodbye to the chill of winter. As we enjoy these first days of spring, the cold days have reminded us of a story told by the Hopi people, which spoke of the Forces of Winter and Summer fighting over Blue Corn Maiden. This figure caused the crops to grow, so her presence was vital. When the weather would shift suddenly between warmth and cold, it was said that the forces of summer and winter were fighting over her. Eventually, summer would win and the crops could grow in safety.

Blossoms and Leaves

It's been a delight to watch the foliage around the Estate bursting into color. The determined weeds in between or rows of Petite Sirah have popped with tiny purple blooms, and this plum cherry tree overlooking our Sangiovese block has held onto its blossoms through multiple storms. In Greek mythology, the world would blossom when Demeter, the goddess of agriculture, experienced the joy of her daughter Persephone making her yearly journey out of the Underworld. For the time that Persephone would remain, the world would be fruitful, earning her the title of the goddess of spring.

Birds and Other Fauna

From tiny chicks to the easter bunny, spring is known to be a season for new life and precious animals. We've done some birdwatching on the Estate, appreciating the lively flocks as well as the solitary creatures. As we know, each one of these has a place in our ecosystem. Pictured above is a Eastern Bluebird, perching on our Zinfandel vines, as well as an American Robin, the family of which has taken up residence in one of our pepper trees. In Welsh folklore, the goddess of spring was named Blodeuwedd, meaning "flower faced." She was known for following her own rules and doing as she pleased, eventually turning herself into an owl to escape responsibility. Though nearly impossible to spot, our vineyards are also home to many owls who patrol majestically from dusk until dawn as well as being effective pest control. Like Blodeuwedd, spring can be finicky, but it is undeniably a season of great beauty. 

The sun is shining, the soil is warming, and leaves are breaking out of their buds. The song of the sparrows echoes over the vineyard as the sun breaks through the clouds of the spring rain. Spring has officially arrived at Rubino Estates, and we're delighted to share it with you. 

What's your favorite thing about spring? Let us know @rubinoestates on social media!

Mar 26, 2021 at 12:00 AM Permalink