San Polo, Rubio
Vintage: 2023
| Vintage | Product Code | Format | Closure | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | SP604B23 | 6 x 75 | Natural Cork | Available |
Producer
San Polo was purchased by Marilisa Allegrini in 2006 after several years spent searching for a suitable property in Montalcino. Located in the eastern part of the region, the estate covers 22 hectares, with 16 hectares under vine. The vineyards lie between 400 and 450 metres above sea level on poor, stony soils composed mainly of galestro (schistous clay), which naturally limit yields and suit the production of high-quality Sangiovese. Detailed parcel mapping allows each vineyard to be managed individually to maximise the potential of this distinctive site.
The estate produces classic Montalcino wines with slightly more weight than those from the northern part of the appellation. Today, the property is run by Marilisa and her daughters, Carlotta and Caterina, with a focus on precise winemaking and sustainability. As part of this vision, the winery has been certified sustainable by CasaClima since 2013, organic since 2017 and vegan-certified since 2019.
The Brunello di Montalcino shows the hallmarks of the region’s modern style, with ripe fruit, cedar notes, fine-grained tannins and impressive length. The Brunello di Montalcino Riserva offers greater depth and demonstrates the estate’s standing within the region. Two additional Brunello wines are produced only in the best vintages. ‘Podernovi’, from a single vineyard, is an energetic and elegant expression from one of Montalcino’s most recognised sites. ‘Vignavecchia’ hails from 30–40-year-old vines in a west-facing vineyard planted on galestro soils and is intense, complex and suited to long ageing. The Rosso di Montalcino offers excellent depth and approachability, while ‘Rubio’, a blend of Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet Franc, is fragrant and supple.
Vineyards
Grapes for Rubio hail from hillside vineyards in the Montalcino area, at elevations between 300-450 metres, providing relief from the hotter summer temperatures that can hit the region. The vineyards, planted on soil rich in calcium and clay are south-facing and receive optimal sun exposure.
Vintage
The 2023 vintage was challenging, requiring careful vineyard management to manage disease pressures caused by continuous heavy rainfall and below-average temperatures in spring, through to mid-June. Maintaining good canopy ventilation was crucial, combined with the well-draining soils of San Polo’s vineyards, to maintain vine health. From mid-June, the weather conditions changed drastically, transitioning to a dry and mild climate with warm but not excessive temperatures. This allowed the vines to recover, and harvest occurred between late September and early October under ideal climatic conditions.
Vinification
The grapes were hand-harvested during the second half of September. After careful sorting, a gentle pressing took place, followed by cold-soaking to reduce tannin extraction and enhance freshness. Fermentation took place in stainless steel tanks at 28-30°C for between five and six days. After fermentation, the wine was aged in stainless steel tanks for 10 months, followed by a further four months in bottle, before release.
Tasting Notes & Technical Details
Rubio is a brilliant ruby red in colour with purple hues. The intense nose bursts with aromas of cherry, blackcurrant and violet, with subtle notes of spice. On the palate, silky tannins balance beautifully with fruit-driven flavours of cherry and berries, typical of the variety. The finish is long and elegant.
Alcohol (ABV)
13.5%
Other wines from this producer
Producer | Wine | Product Code | Features | Style | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Polo | Rosso di Montalcino | SP601 | R | Factsheet | |
| Brunello di Montalcino | SP602 | R | Factsheet | ||
| Brunello di Montalcino Riserva | SP605 | R | Factsheet | ||
| Brunello di Montalcino `Podernovi` | SP606 | R | Factsheet | ||
| Brunello di Montalcino `Vignavecchia` | SP607 | R | Factsheet |