Everything About Rufete Grape
"roo-FEH-teh" 
Rufete Description
Origin: Iberian Peninsula, particularly Spain and Portugal
History: Rufete is an ancient red grape variety native to the Iberian Peninsula, with a strong presence in both Spain and Portugal. In Portugal, it is primarily grown in the Douro, Dão, and Beira Interior regions, often known by the synonym Tinta Pinheira. In Spain, it is cultivated in the Castile and León region, notably in the Arribes DO. Historically, Rufete was used mainly in blends, including fortified wines like Port. In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in producing single-varietal Rufete wines, highlighting its unique characteristics.
Appearance: Medium-sized, thin-skinned, dark blue to black berries growing in compact clusters.
Growing Traits: Rufete is a late-ripening variety that adapts well to hot, dry climates and prefers well-drained soils, such as the schist soils characteristic of the Douro region. It is prone to fungal diseases like mildew and oidium, requiring careful vineyard management. The grape tends to overcrop, so yield control is essential to ensure quality, as excessive yields can lead to lower sugar levels and color intensity.
Food Pairing Rufete's light to medium body and fresh acidity make it a versatile partner for various dishes. It pairs well with traditional Iberian cuisine, such as grilled lamb, suckling pig, and cured meats. The wine's red fruit flavors and herbal notes complement dishes like beef stroganoff and grilled vegetables. Its moderate tannins and acidity also make it suitable for pairing with semi-hard cheeses.
Body
Sweetness
Tannin
Acidity
Alcohol
Light to medium-bodied with a delicate structure, often contributing to the elegance of blended wines. Typically vinified dry, though it can be used in the production of fortified wines like Port. Moderate tannin levels, providing a gentle structure to wines. Medium acidity, contributing to the freshness and balance of the wine. Moderate alcohol content, generally ranging from 11% to 13%, depending on the winemaking style.
Red cherry 
Strawberry 
Raspberry 
Herbal 
Earthy Rufete wines are known for their aromatic profile, featuring red fruit flavors such as cherry, strawberry, and raspberry, complemented by herbal notes and earthy undertones. The wines typically exhibit a light color with a delicate structure, moderate tannins, and balanced acidity, making them approachable and food-friendly. When fully ripened, Rufete can produce wines with greater aromatic intensity and complexity.
Regions
![[object Object] Region](/regions/portugal.png)
Portugal
•Douro
•Dão
•Beira Interior
![[object Object] Region](/regions/spain.png)
Spain
•Castile and León
•Arribes DO
Notable Wines and Producers
Quinta dos Termos Rufete
•Quinta dos Termos
Bodegas Frontio Rufete
•Bodegas Frontio
Vinos la Zorra Rufete
•Vinos la Zorra
Rufete FAQ
Iberian Peninsula, particularly Spain and Portugal
Rufete has a body level of 2 out of 5. Which means that Rufete is Moderate to Light bodied.
Rufete has a dryness level of 1 out of 5. Which means that Rufete is Dry.
Iberian Peninsula, particularly Spain and Portugal
Rufete is grown in Portugal (Douro, Dão, Beira Interior)Spain (Castile and León, Arribes DO).
Rufete wines are known for their aromatic profile, featuring red fruit flavors such as cherry, strawberry, and raspberry, complemented by herbal notes and earthy undertones. The wines typically exhibit a light color with a delicate structure, moderate tannins, and balanced acidity, making them approachable and food-friendly. When fully ripened, Rufete can produce wines with greater aromatic intensity and complexity.
Rufete's light to medium body and fresh acidity make it a versatile partner for various dishes. It pairs well with traditional Iberian cuisine, such as grilled lamb, suckling pig, and cured meats. The wine's red fruit flavors and herbal notes complement dishes like beef stroganoff and grilled vegetables. Its moderate tannins and acidity also make it suitable for pairing with semi-hard cheeses.
Rufete wines are known for their aromatic profile, featuring red fruit flavors such as cherry, strawberry, and raspberry, complemented by herbal notes and earthy undertones. The wines typically exhibit a light color with a delicate structure, moderate tannins, and balanced acidity, making them approachable and food-friendly. When fully ripened, Rufete can produce wines with greater aromatic intensity and complexity.