Tua Rita, one of Italy’s first successful producers of vins de garage, was founded by Rita Tua and her husband Virgilio in 1984. They started with just 2 hectares of vineyard which they tended with scrupulous care. As a result, their vineyard had grown to 9 hectares in barely a decade and today, Tua Rita farms some thirty hectares planted to vine.

Tua Rita’s vineyards are located in the Cornia valley near Suvereto in the High Tuscan Maremma, in an area known as Metalliferous Hills. The soil composition of pebbles and stones as well as clay, silt and sand, with a generous helping of mineral trace elements, leaves a distinctive mark on Tua Rita’s wines, imparting unique iron-like nuances to the aromatics and lending the palate a delicious hint of saltiness.

This leading Tuscan estate is known for their famous 100% Merlot, Redigaffi, which has gained cult status, receiving praise and accolades from wine enthusiasts and even a perfect 100 score from wine critic Robert Parker. Their range of wines also includes their signature wine, Giusto di Notri, which is a classic Bordeaux blend; Per Sempre, a single-variety Syrah; Perlato del Bosco, a varietal Sangiovese beginning with the 2011 vintage; Rosso dei Notri, an entry-level wine; Lodano, an experimental white wine; and Perlato del Bosco Bianco.

Tua Rita’s single-variety Merlot takes its name from a stream that runs near the estate. Redigaffi is a benchmark wine that has achieved cult status around the world. The 2000 vintage was the first wine from Italy to be awarded 100/100 by Robert Parker. Redigaffi features regularly in the catalogues of the world’s leading auctioneers, such as Christie’s and Sotheby’s, and is one of the few Italian wines included in the Liv-ex index.

The wine ages 18-20 months in new French oak barrels and then several months in bottle.

The 2019 Tua Rita Redigaffi is a remarkable wine that showcases the excellence of Italian Merlot. With a deep red color that shimmers in the glass, this wine is a true masterpiece. The nose is a sensory delight, filled with enticing aromas of praline, plums, chocolate orange, muscovado sugar, and truffles. It is a complex bouquet that promises an unforgettable tasting experience.

On the palate, the Redigaffi is full-bodied and seductive, offering a perfect balance between ripe and fresh fruit flavors and delicate spices. The texture is polished and smooth, with supple and firm tannins that add structure and elegance to the wine. It is a wine that embodies finesse and sophistication, leaving a lasting impression on the palate.

The critics have also hailed the 2019 Tua Rita Redigaffi as an exceptional vintage. James Suckling awarded it a remarkable score of 98 points, praising its playful balance and describing it as a wine that will truly shine if enjoyed from 2024 onwards. Robert Parker's Wine Advocate awarded it 97 points, noting its deep layers of black fruit, leather, tar, and spice, and highlighting its age-worthiness. Decanter also bestowed it with a perfect score of 100 points, describing it as a wine of sublime harmony and balance with ripe black cherry, cream, and blackcurrant flavors.

While the Wine Spectator scored it slightly lower with 93 points, they still recognized its sleekness and vibrant structure, as well as its potential for aging.

The 2019 Tua Rita Redigaffi is a true gem from Tuscany, Italy. With its impeccable craftsmanship and outstanding flavor profile, it is a wine that will undoubtedly captivate even the most discerning wine enthusiasts. Whether enjoyed now or cellared for a few years, this wine is a testament to the dedication and skill of the Tua Rita winery.