Alcohol: 14.4%
Grape(s): Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot, Sangiovese
Localization: Tuscany, Italy
Tasting Notes: Deep ruby red in color, with aromas of black fruits, namely blackberries, plums and ripe black cherries over more subtle notes of cocoa, licorice and sweet spice. The wine is smooth on the palate, with silky tannins and bracing acidity, showing structural balance long into the finish.
93 points James Suckling: A pretty red with blackberries, blueberries and sage, as well as dried flowers. Medium body with light, fine tannins and a fresh finish. One of the best I have had. Drink now or hold.
Food pairing: Pair this wine with prosciutto-wrapped asparagus, spice rubbed chicken, or lasagna Bolognese with béchamel sauce.
The Domain: Rita Tua and her husband, Virgilio Bisti, bought approximately 37.5 acres of land in 1984 and planted it with Cabernet and Merlot. They later purchased an additional 17.5 acres of land, bringing the total estate to 55 acres, of which about 45 are planted with vines. The winery released its first vintage in 1992, and soon began receiving praise and accolades from wine enthusiasts worldwide for its rich, full-bodied wines. In just five short years, its 100% Merlot had achieved cult-like status, receiving outstanding ratings from the world’s most prestigious wine critics and publications. Critic Robert M. Parker Jr. said the 1999 Redigaffi was “as close to perfection as a wine can get.” The following year, he gave the 2000 Redigaffi a perfect 100 score. The winery’s Bordeaux blend, Giusti di Notri, also garners near-universal praise. Little wonder that Tua Rita’s wines are considered among the most difficult to find in Italy. Tua Rita is located in Suvereto, a small medieval town in the Tuscan province of Livorno, on the coast south of Bolgheri. The winery lies at just 300 feet above sea level, on clay, silty soil. Luca D'Attoma, the estate’s winemaker, keeps yields to a minimum to ensure concentration of flavors. The estate’s total annual production is currently just 3400 cases.
