Produced by L'Arco in the hills of Valpolicella Classico near the Adige River, Rubeo is a distinctive, Cabernet Franc-led wine grown on gravel and moraine soils formed from an ancient riverbed. The vineyards are farmed organically and the approach in the cellar is very much hands-off, allowing the character of the fruit and site to speak for themselves.
The name Rubeo comes from the Latin word for “ruby”, a nod both to the wine’s colour and to the importance of Cabernet Franc for winemaker Luca Fedrigo. That influence makes sense when you learn how closely Luca worked with legendary Amarone producer Giuseppe Quintarelli.
The blend is 35% Cabernet Franc, 25% Corvina, 15% Rondinella, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Molinara. Grapes are hand-harvested from the estate vineyards, with only the best bunches selected and air-dried for around 60 days using the traditional Appassimento technique. After pressing, the wine undergoes a short skin maceration before spontaneous fermentation begins.
It rests in stainless steel until early summer, then moves to large Slavonian oak barrels (2.25–20hl) where it matures for three years. The wine is bottled with no fining and only light filtration to preserve texture and character.
In the glass it shows a deep ruby colour with aromas of dried raspberry, dark cherry and plum, alongside notes of tobacco leaf, dried oregano and green peppercorn. The palate is rich and structured, combining concentrated fruit – reminiscent of Amarone – with savoury hints of smoked meat, spice and dried herbs. Silky, refined tannins give shape and balance, while the drying and long ageing add depth and persistence. The finish is long and savoury, with lingering spice, dried fruit and herbal complexity.
