Tenute Rubino Torre Testa Susumaniello 2019

Tenute Rubino Torre Testa Susumaniello 2019 is a refined, late-harvest red that showcases the revival of one of Apulia’s most intriguing indigenous grapes. Crafted from 100% Susumaniello, this wine is the flagship of Tenute Rubino’s pioneering Susumaniello project and has quickly become an icon of the new Apulian wine scene. Elegant yet characterful, it balances ripe southern fruit with freshness, structure and a distinctly Mediterranean personality.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, Torre Testa 2019 typically shows a deep, vibrant ruby color with violet hues that hint at both concentration and youth. The nose is expressive and layered, offering dark cherries, blackberries and plums alongside notes of wild herbs, Mediterranean scrub, licorice and a touch of sweet spice and cocoa from barrel aging. On the palate, this late-harvest Susumaniello is full-bodied but poised, with a lively acidity that keeps the wine remarkably fresh despite its ripeness. Fine, well-integrated tannins provide structure without harshness, wrapping around flavors of black and red berries, damson, dried flowers and subtle balsamic notes. The finish is long and savory, with a mineral edge that reflects its coastal origins. While already approachable, the 2019 has the depth and structure to evolve gracefully over the next 8–10 years, gaining in complexity and tertiary nuances.

Production
Torre Testa is sourced from estate vineyards in Apulia, close to the Adriatic coast, where the vines benefit from a warm, sun-drenched climate tempered by sea breezes. The soils are typically a mix of clay and limestone, offering good drainage and mineral tension, which helps maintain natural acidity in the late-harvested Susumaniello grapes. Yields are kept low, and harvesting is done by hand to ensure only perfectly ripe clusters reach the cellar. After careful selection, the grapes undergo gentle crushing and controlled-temperature fermentation to preserve aromatics, followed by extended maceration to extract color and fine tannins. The wine is then aged (often in a combination of small oak barrels and larger vessels) to polish the structure, add subtle spice notes and support long-term aging without masking the grape’s distinctive character.

Food & Serving
Torre Testa Susumaniello 2019 is a natural partner for rich, flavorful dishes such as grilled or braised lamb, slow-cooked beef, game birds, ossobuco, and hearty pasta with ragù. It also pairs beautifully with aged hard cheeses, charcuterie and earthy dishes featuring mushrooms or roasted root vegetables. Serve at 16–18°C (60–64°F) to fully express its aromatic complexity and structure. Decanting for 45–60 minutes before serving is recommended, especially in its youth, to allow the tannins to soften and the wine’s layered aromatics to unfold.

Producer
Tenute Rubino is a forward-thinking estate in Apulia that has played a leading role in the renaissance of the region’s native grape varieties, with Susumaniello at the center of its identity. Founded by the Rubino family, the winery has invested heavily in vineyard research and careful site selection along the Adriatic coast, helping to prove that Apulia can produce wines of real finesse as well as power. Torre Testa was the first wine in their Susumaniello project and has since become a benchmark for the variety, earning critical attention and helping to place both Tenute Rubino and Susumaniello on the map of serious Italian wine lovers worldwide.

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