Tenute Rubino > Press Area > Announced > Apulia astonishes America

The Apulian oenology surprises for quality and expression of the territory.
"A world waiting to be discovered": A flattering opinion by Antonio Galloni, Robert Parker’s correspondent from Italy.

The opinion is extremely positive: Central and Southern Italian wines are not to be considered of lower quality any longer, on the contrary they represent "a world waiting to be discovered". These are the words of Antonio Galloni, Robert Parker’s referee for the Italian market, in an article  in The Wine Advocate version on line. This is what he writes: "For many years discussions around fine Italian wines centered around Barolo, Barbaresco, Brunello di Montalcino, the highend Tuscan reds and Amarone. That was pretty much it, and for good reason, as most of what came out of the Center and South was undistinguished, to say the least. That is no longer the case. Recent years have seen an explosion in the number of high-quality wines from the Center and South: Central an Southern Italy: a world waiting to be discovered".

Talking about Apulia, Antonio Galloni highlights the ability of a growing number of producers that, pointing at the valorisation of  indigenous varieties, have taken their wines to an excellent position. This is his comment on Apulia: "Apulia has attracted a lot of attention recently. The indigenous Primitivo and Negroamaro can yield reds loaded with regional character and complexity. Both grapes are well worth discovering and will open readers’ eyes and palates to a unique facet of Italy’s rich oenological landscape. Aglianico has also given promising results. Prices remain quite low, making Apulia one of the best sources in Italy for value-priced wines, especially the reds'. He adds a lovely  tribute to Apulia’s wonderful seascape and landscape beauties: "Much of Apulia is physically striking, with gorgeous, rustic landscapes, beautiful coastlines and raw ingredients for the kitchen that offer incredible purity. The culture of food and wine in the region’s restaurants and hotels is still very much a work in progress, to put it kindly. Still, Apulia remains the region of the Deep South with the most upside potential. There is plenty to look forward to as producers increasingly set their sights on making better and better wines'.

At last  it seems that Apulia has the chance to assert itself as a territory strongly vocated to viticulture  with a first-class oenological production, especially when they deal with traditional varieties such as Primitivo, Negroamaro and Susumaniello. The course they have undertaken  reminds us  of what happened in the past in Sicily . "Antonio Galloni’s opinion supports and rewards the effort of those producers engaged in the valorisation of the peculiarities of our territory and produce wines that fully express the features of our local varieties. Negroamaro, Primitivo definitely are not less appealing that the Sicilian Nero d’Avola and can be as trendy. Hard work, strong commitment  and equilibrium is what is necessary to promote the image of Apulian wine in Italy and abroad'.

Tasting notes:

2006 Rubino Jaddico RATING: 89 points
VARIETY: Primitivo
DRINK: 2009 - 2012

Tenute Rubino’s 2006 Rosso Jaddico (mostly Negroamaro with Montepulciano and Malvasia Nera) is a gorgeous, fruit-driven wine. Sweet dark cherries, grilled herbs, spices and flowers all make an appearance in this accessible super-ripe apulian red. The quirky aromas and flavors of Negroamaro are present, and the wine offers lovely balance. This juicy offering is best enjoyed in its youth and also happens to be a great value. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2012.
I was very impressed with the wines I tasted from Tenute Rubino, a young, promising estate located near Brindisi. These sleek, elegant offerings bode well for the future.

2006 Rubino Torre Testa
RATING: 92 points
VARIETY: Susumaniello
DRINK: 2011 - 2018

The 2006 Salento Rosso Torre Testa is made from Susumaniello, an ancient indigenous variety that bears some resemblance to Aglianico and Pellagrello Nero in its wild, unrestrained character. Black fruit, earthiness, tar, smoke, minerals and French oak emerge from this explosive, full-bodied red. The tannins could use a touch more softness, something that should come (at least to some extent) with further bottle age. This is an intriguing wine from Tenute Rubino that offers exceptional balance and plenty of style. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2018.