Ca Botta Rubicondo 2019
- 90
- $55
- Drink by: 2022-2025
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Fascinating wine from Valpolicella in the Verona region of Italy (think ‘Romeo and Juliet’ and, of course, ‘Two Gentlemen of Verona’ – our star-crossed lovers might have been a touch young to enjoy wine, but no doubt Proteus and Valentine would have shared a glass). From the traditional varieties of Corvina and Rondinella to which they have, very un-traditionally, added some cooler climate Merlot. The fruit is then air-dried for two weeks – this is also the region of Amarone so it is a method that is second nature to these guys. The vineyards sit between 350 and 450 metres above sea level.
Ochre/red in colour, the nose gives forth notes of red berries and warm earth. Some forest floor touches with plums aromas and a medium body. Indeed it is perhaps even slightly reticent at this early stage, although attractive and offers a lingering finish. Fresh, a lighter style than many of the usual local reds, this is very pleasant drinking now and will continue to be so for several years.
Ken was born and bred in Brisbane, Queensland. He had a non-trendy, perfectly happy childhood, in a family convinced alcohol meant instant condemnation to Hades. But a break fishing on the Great Barrier Reef, and some good wine, started a serious obsession that eventually took over. It did not stop Ken being chastised later for drinking Pol champagne, disgusted he’d drink anything made by a Cambodian dictator. Now, Ken mostly writes on wine, champagne and spirits for various newspapers, magazines and books, but is perhaps best known for his work in The Courier Mail. He also has a little sideline writing on cigars, fishing, travel and food. When not writing, fly-fishing for trout in NZ or bonefish on the flats of Cuba, travelling or smoking cigars, he is no doubt following a variety of sporting teams – the occasionally glorious Queensland Reds rugby, the dysfunctional Washington Redskins, the dodgy Arsenal and especially revels in the world restored to its proper axis with the return of the Ashes to their rightful home.
