theCompass
 Home   Map   Blog Roll   WineCompass   Wine 101   My Compass 

Chrysalis Vineyards Rubiana

Chrysalis Vineyards Rubiana Wine Details
Price: $18.00 per bottle

Description: Inspired by alluring wines of Northern Spain, this wine is a blend of Tempranillo, Graciano, Fer Servadou and Norton grapes. It is a medium-bodied, fruit-forward wine showcasing the distinctive aromatics of the rare Graciano grape with the wonderful concentration of Fer Servadou.

Varietal Definition
Fer Servadou:
Also known as Fer, Brocol, Braucol and Pinenc. The name apparently refers to the iron-hard woodiness of the vine. Grown to a limited extent in southwest France and used to impart color, intensity and aroma to regional red wine blends. The variety grown in Argentina and called by this name is now thought to be a clone of Malbec.
Norton:
In 1835, Dr. Daniel Norton of Virginia developed this grape varietal that was originally known as the Virginia Seedling. Widely planted in the Midwest (where it is sometimes called Cynthiana), it has become a source of interest to East Coast vintners in recent years. It produces a dark, inky wine with flavors of plums and cherries. Horton Vineyards in Virginia is particularly interested in reviving the grape's reputation. In the South, look for Norton (or Cynthiana) from Moonrise Bay, Mountain Valley, Three Sisters, Tiger Mountain and Tennessee Valley.
Tempranillo:
The Tempranillo is to Rioja what Pinot Noir is to Burgundy. By far Spain's most noble indigenous grape it has similar characteristics to the Pinot - strawberries when young, earthy vegetal when mature - and it ages very well. It ripens early ('temprana' is the Spanish for 'early') is thick-skinned and gives good colour and extract but low alcohol and acidity. In Rioja it is blended with the more fiery Garnacha and a little Mazuelo and Graciano. It is grown throughout Spain but very much as a grape for blending as opposed to a straight varietal. Outside Spain the grape is quite prolific in Argentina and to a lesser extent in California.


Reviews




Back to Chrysalis Vineyards at the Ag District Center information