Rute Bolgheri DOC Rosso

Rute Bolgheri DOC Rosso 2020 is a red from Guado al Melo in the Bolgheri hills of coastal Tuscany. From this vintage it blends Cabernet Sauvignon with Syrah, which replaced Merlot. It ages about 12 months on its lees in older wood, unfiltered, then rests at least a year in bottle. The 2020 is balanced and fresh, with fruity aromas and lively spice. Open it a while before serving with full-flavoured food, or lay it down. Delivered across Ontario.

The producer

Guado al Melo, meaning 'ford at the apple tree', is run by Michele and Attilio Scienza at Castagneto Carducci. Rute takes its name from the Etruscan word for red, a nod to the area's first winemakers, and the grape-bunch logo comes from one of Italy's oldest images of a vine shoot.

The vineyards

The vines grow on the first slopes of the Segalari Hill, in a small east-west valley crossed by the Fossa di Bolgheri stream, the coolest valley in the area with wide day-night swings. The soil is deep alluvial sandy clay with pebbles, farmed sustainably. In 2020 the Syrah was picked on 18 September and the Cabernet Sauvignon in early October.

How it's made

Each small parcel is picked and fermented separately. The wine ages about 12 months in non-new wood on its lees with weekly stirring, is racked rather than filtered, then spends 3 to 4 months in steel and at least 12 months in bottle.

How it tastes

The 2020 is a balanced, fresh red with fruity aromas and intense spice. It is an elegant wine built to age, and it opens up with some air in the glass.

How to serve it

Pair it with full-flavoured dishes. Serve at 18°C after letting it breathe for a while. Stored lying down in a cool, dark place, it can age for many years.