After our four hour drive across Italy from Positano, we arrived at the lovely Masseria Torre Coccaro just in time for our first fabulous meal. As the drive was a bit tiring, it was definitely wine time! As I perused the very local wine list, the sommelier recommended selections including several from a winery not too far away, Tenute Rubino. One suggestion was their Saturnino Rosato Negoamaro 2008. A rosé on the warm night sounded like a perfect idea!! This became one of my go to wines on the trip.
Rosé, as the head of Tenute Rubino Luigi Rubino says, is an ancient cultural tradition in the Salento region of Puglia. As I mentioned in my last post, Puglia is Italy’s largest wine producer. I had no idea Negroamaro and Primitivo grapes would make such fabulous rosé wine.
Saturnino, Rosé, IGT Salento is a superior example! In May 2011 it won the gold medal at Consours Mondial de Bruxelles international wine competition in Luxembourg. This gorgeous deep pink wine is made of 100% Negroamaro grapes. The scent is lovely raspberry and violet while taste is round, crisp and refreshing, helped by its fermenting in stainless steel tanks. It’s the perfect compliment to the delicious seafood and vegetable dishes of Puglia.
Tenute Rubino winery was founded in the 1980’s. With over 200 hectares of vineyards, its location on the Adriatic Coast outside Brindisi offer the perfect conditions for grape growing… sun in the day, cool air off the sea at night. In 2000 the family opened a state of the art vinification facility and cellar. Since then they’ve been winning many accolades for their eleven wines, four white and rosé and seven red. They use Negroamaro, Primitivo, White and Black Malvasia and the very unique Susumaniello grape. I also enjoyed their Giancola white wine (100% White Malvasia), recently awarded 88 points from Wine Enthusiast.
You can find my two favorites above as well as several Tenute Rubino reds on Snooth (although I haven’t tried ordering from the stores listed).  The winery is currently on a U.S. tour in New York City and Los Angeles with special dinners and events to promote Puglia Wines in America.
Salute to Puglia Rosé!