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The Venetian Visionary: Antonio Cosulich and the Legacy of Poderi di Rua
In the early 20th century, Venice was not only the jewel of the Adriatic but also a thriving hub of maritime commerce. Among its bustling streets and winding canals, Antonio Cosulich stood out—not just for his sharp mind as a ships owner but for a soul deeply connected to nature and the land beyond the lagoon.
Antonio had spent decades mastering the intricacies of trade and shipping, bridging continents and cultures. Yet, it was the Venetian countryside, with its rolling hills and ancient vineyards, that truly captured his heart. Every visit to the verdant landscapes of Veneto offered him solace from the whirlwind of his maritime career. He believed that the same care and precision he applied to navigating global trade routes could be harnessed to create something enduring—something rooted in the land he so cherished.
The Birth of Poderi di Rua
In 1966, Alberto, Antonio´s father made a bold decision. He purchased a modest plot of land in the Collalbrigo hills, an area celebrated for its fertile soil and ideal climate for winemaking. Some years after, Antonio, named it Poderi di Rua, ias Rua was a new acquisition in terms of wine production site, and an ancient venetian word which evoked pathways that connected villages, much like his wines would someday connect people.
Determined to honor the traditions of the Veneto region, Antonio sought out the wisdom of local farmers and vintners. Together, they revived age-old techniques passed down through generations, emphasizing sustainability and respect for the land. While modern machinery began making its way into vineyards across Italy, Antonio insisted on doing things the traditional way: hand-harvesting grapes, natural fermentation, and using wooden barrels for aging.
Wines That Tell a Story
Poderi di Rua soon gained a reputation for crafting wines that embodied the spirit of the Venetian countryside. Among its crown jewels were the Prosecco, with its crisp, effervescent character reminiscent of a Venetian sunrise, and the Rosso dei Colli di Collalbrigo a bold and complex red wine that captured the earthy, rich flavors of the hills where it was born.
Antonio’s wines became more than a beverage—they were a celebration of Veneto’s heritage. From Venetian aristocrats to humble farmers, people gathered around tables to savor the fruits of his labor. His wines became staples at weddings, festivals, and family meals, each sip carrying the essence of the land and the passion of its creator.
A Legacy Rooted in Nature
Antonio Cosulich’s love for nature wasn’t limited to winemaking. He cultivated wildflower meadows to attract pollinators and preserved ancient olive groves around the estate. Every decision at Poderi di Rua was made with the future in mind. Antonio believed that great wine wasn’t just about flavor; it was about harmony—with the land, the people, and time itself.
Poderi di Rua Today
Though Antonio Cosulich is no longer with us, his spirit lives on in every bottle produced by **Poderi di Rua**. The winery remains a family-run venture, guided by his principles and passion. Today, Poderi di Rua is not just a testament to Veneto’s winemaking traditions but also a beacon of sustainability and authenticity in a modern world.
Visitors to the estate can walk through the same sun-dappled vineyards Antonio once tended, sip wines crafted with the same care, and feel the connection to a legacy that began with a shipping broker’s dream of uniting the sea and the land he loved.
Antonio’s story is a reminder that true passion can transcend industries and generations, leaving behind something far greater than oneself. In every glass of Prosecco or Rosso dei Colli di Collalbrigo, the heart of a Venetian visionary beats on.