Tenute Rubino: Wine Excellence in the Heart of Brindisi
Four Estates, One Diverse Terroir
The winery manages over 270 hectares of vineyards across four distinct estates, each offering a unique microclimate and soil composition:
- Jaddico: The flagship estate, where the red soil meets the Adriatic sea breeze.
- Marmorelle: Ideal for balanced and aromatic varieties.
- Uggio: The soul of traditional Puglian viticulture.
- Punta Aquila: Known for producing structured and powerful reds.
Founded by Tommaso Rubino and propelled to global success by his son Luigi and his wife Romina Leopardi, the winery inaugurated its high-tech facility in 2000, exporting today to over 23 countries.
The Roman Legacy of Jaddico
Brindisi was a vital Latin colony in Roman times and the Mediterranean's most important center for olive oil and wine amphorae. In the archaeological area of Giancola, ancient kilns were discovered where these vessels were fired.
At the Jaddico Estate, fragments of Roman amphorae dating back to the 2nd century B.C. are still found among the vines. This historical link is celebrated in the labels of wines like Visellio and Saturnino, named after the prominent kiln masters of the Augustan era.
The Susumaniello Project: Saving a Local Treasure
The most ambitious project led by Luigi Rubino is the recovery of Susumaniello, a native Salento grape once on the brink of extinction.
The name "Susumaniello" derives from the local word for "little donkey" (asinello), a reference to the heavy loads of grapes the young vines would carry. Although highly productive when young, the vine's yield drops significantly as it ages, leading many farmers to uproot it in the past. Tenute Rubino has transformed this rarity into an international success, producing reds, rosés, and even sparkling wines from this unique grape.
Winery Tours and the Barrique Cellar
Visitors to the Tenute Rubino winery are welcomed into a modern, museum-like space where soil samples and large-scale imagery narrate the connection between the land and the glass. The tour highlights the balance between technology and tradition, concluding with a view of the evocative barrique cellar where the most prestigious crus age in silence.
Beachfront Tasting: Vinoteca Numero Primo
For a complete sensory experience, the tasting moves to the Vinoteca Numero Primo on the Brindisi seafront. Here, the wine tasting is paired with local Puglian delicacies reimagined with a modern twist, all while enjoying a panoramic view of the harbor.
Iconic Labels
- Torre Testa: A premium Susumaniello cru named after the 16th-century coastal watchtower, Torre Testa.
- Oltremé: A fresh and vibrant Susumaniello that captures the essence of the sea.
- Saturnino & Visellio: Wines that carry the names of the ancient Roman amphora makers.
Watch our visit to Tenute Rubino:
| Experience | Details |
|---|---|
| Winery Tour | Modern museum-like space with soil samples and barrique cellar |
| Vinoteca Numero Primo | Beachfront tasting with local delicacies and harbor views |
| Signature Wines | Torre Testa, Oltremé, Saturnino, Visellio |
| Native Grape | Susumaniello (recovered from near extinction) |
Insider Tip: The Jaddico estate is not only a winery but also an archaeological treasure. Ask for a guided tour to discover the Roman amphorae fragments still embedded among the vineyards—a unique journey through 2,000 years of wine history.
Ready to discover the Susumaniello legacy?
Book your private tour to Tenute Rubino and explore the flavors of Brindisi with us. Experience the perfect blend of ancient Roman history and modern winemaking excellence.
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