La Palazzola Rubino 1998
-
Robert
Parker
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This big, bold wine is recommended with red meats but the winemakers preference is roasted venison or pheasant. Also excellent with aged cheese.
80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot
Professional Ratings
- Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Other Vintages
1997-
Robert
Parker
In the past, La Palazzola sold their grapes to other wineries. But Cotarella, recognizing the vast potential of the area's fruit, soil and exposure, encouraged them to produce their own wine. Today they make their excellent wines from the fruit of their vineyards only.
Italian Red Wine
While picturesque hillsides, endless coastlines and a favorable climate serve to unify the grape-growing culture of this country. The apparent never-ending world of indigenous grape varieties gives Italy an unexampled charm and allure for its red wines. From the steep inclines of the Alps to the sprawling, warm, coastal plains of the south, red grape varieties thrive throughout.
The kings of Italy, wines like Barolo and Barbaresco (made of Nebbiolo), and Chianti and Brunello di Montalcino (made of Sangiovese), as well as Amarone (mostly Corvina), play center stage for the most lauded, collected and cellar-worthy reds. Less popular but entirely deserving of as much praise are the wines made from Aglianico, Sagrantino and Nerello Mascalese.
For those accustomed to drinking New World reds, the south is the place to start. Grapes like Negroamaro or Primitvo from Puglia and Nero d’Avola from Sicily make soft, ammicable, full-bodied, fruit-dominant wines. Curious palates should be on the lookout for Cannonau (Grenache), Lagrein, Teroldego, Ruché, Freisa, Cesanese, Schiopettino, Rossese and Gaglioppo to name a few.