This red wine is made from hybrid grapes and tastes like the forests of Northern California. Pine resin plays around the edges of red fruit enhancing the herbaceous characteristics of the Baco Noir fruit. The background information provided suggests that a “Rebel” Italian immigrant was responsible for planting the Baco in the 1960s on the Sonoma coast, but I think the real rebel here is Matt Kniess the winemaker. Maybe said immigrant Domenico Callegari and Matt would have been a great team – grower and maker.
Bear in mind that this wine is an infant, so it’s hard to judge where it’s going in adulthood, although I’d say its career will be complex, artsy, and off-center in a good way. This bold rustic wine has dark fruits, tart acidity, nice herbal qualities, and a pleasant, meaty smokiness. Click here to read Matt’s interview and why he chose The Rebel as his most emblematic wine.