Felipe Rutini Sauvignon Blanc 2014: Yellow-green color; cut grass and grapefruit nose; nice grapefruit, green apple, touch of vanilla, soft on the palate
with welcomed acidity. All you look for in a sauv blanc—crisp, clean, food-friendly. Made by one of Argentina’s historic makers. Winery was founded by Italian-born Felipe Rutini in 1885; the La Rural Winery is located on the outskirts of Mendoza; fruit comes from vineyards in Tupungato, Argentina’s premier grape-growing region. Winemaker Mariano Di Paola recently was named one of the top 30 winemakers in the world by Decanter magazine. Di Paola is noted for attention to quality and allowing wine to reflect its place rather than steering the product to fit the latest trendy flavor profile; he also is noted for modernizing vineyard and winemaking practices, which he has done at Rutini since 1995. Rutini’s goal is to become the most prestigious Argentine producer of premium wines worldwide; they are on their way. The 2014 sauv blanc is just the second vintage imported into the United States. A tad on the pricey side, but certainly a no-flaws, well-made, savory sauv blanc. $25
Rutini Wines website
Second photo: Rutini family in 1910.
