Lent period, why we talk about wine and red meat. We do this by taking a moment of theoretical abstinence from meat, just after the Carnival, together with our friend Rubattorno Vini, our partner in the realization of the aperitif followed by “A qualcuno piace carne” a comparison on stock farming and vegetarian ideas between Giulia Innocenzi and Giuseppe Cruciani.

The Winery Rubattorno is a family-run company of the 1700s, managed by the wine making expert Carmine Potenza, his wife Fiorella and his daughter Eleonora. Excellent quality bottles and wine glasses tell 200 years of history of a specific and characteristic production area of ​​Montalbano. An exemplary reality that carries on the belief of Tuscan wine makers according to which “a good wine is born in vineyard not in cellar”, Carmine can produce natural and genuine wines of high quality which are able to express the distinctive and unique flavors of red and white bunches of this particular area of Montalbano. 

Wine and red meat, the pairings of Carneitaliana.it and Rubattorno vini

We asked Eleonora to compose a specific pairing, with a company wine, for three dishes that are in our hearts.

What would you pair with a T-Bone Florentine Steak?

Certainly the Chianti Montalbano D.O.C.G. Riserva 2011, wine made from Sangiovese (95%) and Canaiolo nero (5%) grapes, vinified in stainless steel tanks and aged in barrel for 24 months. An intense ruby ​​red color wine, on the palate it is soft, round and well-balanced.

Which bottle would best go with a carpaccio (thinly sliced raw meat, seasoned with olive oil and parmesan cheese)? 

I find that the ideal pairing is with the Rosato di Toscana I.G.T., a fresh and well-balanced wine. Of bright cherry pink colour it offers to the nose notes of peach and melon on a subtle background of mixed berries. 

And, finally, to support the taste of saltimbocca (thin slices of veal rolled up with ham and fresh sage leaves)?

I think that the Chianti Montalbano D.O.C.G. 2013 can be a perfect partner. It is wine that on the palate is soft, round and well-balanced. With a ruby red color it gives to the nose notes of red berry fruit, especially of cherry with feeble scents of sweet violet and jasmine. 

The Winery Rubattorno Vini

Located in the beautiful Tuscan landscape of Montalbano, at 60 metres above sea level, the Winery Rubattorno is composed of a main villa, entirely surrounded by vineyards and an olive grove. 

The Cellar Rubattorno, unique place of vinification processes of the Winery, dates back to 1700 and it is made up of cement tanks and stainless steel tanks. Its architectural structure has not undergone any modification or restructuring, just for trying to preserve the strong link of the company with the history of this particular and exclusive area of Montalbano.

The Winery is located within a restricted and delimited area of ​​Chianti DOCG: in fact it is located in the area of Chianti Montalbano DOCG, a Chianti subzone. The wines arise from the classical vines of this exclusive terroir, that is from the Trebbiano Toscano, Sangiovese, Canaiolo nero and Colorino grapes.

The cellar is open to the public for direct sale at the following times:

Friday from 4.00 p.m. to 7.30 p.m.

Saturday from 9.00 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. and from 3.00 p.m. to 6.30 p.m.

Sunday from 9.00 a.m. to 12.30 p.m.

Furthermore upon reservation it is possible to book guided tours and wine tastings.