About this wine
Vineyard and terroir
Rute comes from estate vineyards among the Bolgheri hills, on the first slopes of Segalari Hill. They lie in a small east–west valley crossed by the Fossa di Bolgheri stream. This relatively cool part of the area experiences wide summer temperature differences between day and night. Its Mediterranean climate is mild, dry and windy.
The alluvial soils are very deep and sandy-clay, with clay-rich outcrops and a medium-rich presence of pebbles. The vineyards are managed using sustainable integrated-viticulture practices.
Grapes
Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah.
Vinification
The homogeneous vineyard micro-parcels are harvested and processed separately to preserve the territorial character of the selected grapes. Harvest for the 2023 vintage extended from the middle to the end of September.
Ageing
Rute matures for about 12 months in non-new wood on the lees, with weekly stirring. Successive rackings clarify the wine without filtration. After the parcels are blended, the wine spends a further 3–4 months in steel and at least 12 months in bottle.
Technical data
Vintage 2023: 15% alcohol; 5.50 g/L total acidity; 0.65 g/L residual sugar; 34.5 g/L dry extract; 0.073 g/L total sulphur dioxide; energy value 368 kJ / 88 kcal per 100 ml. It is a dry red with good body.
Tasting profile
Aromas of raspberry, redcurrant and cherry are joined by violet, pepper, clove, cinnamon, liquorice and coffee. The palate is intense yet fresh, with good body and silky tannins. The wine continues to change in the glass and evolve with age.
Serving and pairing
Serve at approximately 18°C, allowing 5–10 minutes after uncorking. Pair with intensely flavoured dishes. Properly stored horizontally in a cool, dark place, it can mature for at least 10 years.
Vintage notes
The 2023 season followed a rainy autumn with a dry, relatively mild winter. Spring was cooler than usual, while summer was hot and dry. Some mid-August rain refreshed the vines. Ripening then continued with milder temperatures and markedly cooler nights; after mid-September, the daytime temperatures also declined and harvest proceeded in sunny, windy conditions.
Label / history
First produced in 2002 as Guado al Melo Rosso, Rute presents a contemporary interpretation of Bolgheri while retaining the area's wild character. Its name derives from an Etruscan word meaning “red.” The label bears a grape cluster taken from the estate logo, itself based on one of Italy's oldest representations of a vine shoot.
