Toscana
, Italy
Winery Overview
Rita Tua and her husband, Virgilio Bisti, bought approximately 37.5 acres of land in 1984 and planted it with Cabernet
Sauvignon and Merlot. They later purchased an additional 17.5 acres of land, bringing the total estate to 55 acres, of
which 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 score of 100. 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.
Location of Vineyard
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 clayey, silty soil.
Winemaking Philosophy
The location of the vineyards lend to the production of both Bordeaux varieties such as Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon
as well as the essential Tuscan grape Sangiovese. Luca D’Attoma, the estate’s winemaker, keeps yields to a minimum
to ensure concentration of flavors. In the last 20 years this small estate’s total annual production has grown to just over
8,000 cases, particularly with the additions of the newer and more accessible Tuscan classics - Rosso di Notri and
Perlato del Bosco.
Toscana
, Italy
Winery Overview
Originally founded in 1973, it was not until Giulio Caporali purchased the Valdipiatta property in 1990 that it began to earn
a reputation for producing some of the finest Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. Through vision, determination and much
hard work, Giulio transformed a small Tuscan farmhouse and its vineyard into a modern and successful winery. After
careful analysis of soil conditions, clonal selections, vine densities and pruning systems, the vineyards were replanted
with the aim of producing Prugnolo Gentile (the local name for Sangiovese) of exceptional caliber. These same standards
guided Giulio in the following years as he purchased additional vineyards in prime growing areas of Montepulciano.
Location of Vineyard
Valdipiatta is located in southeastern Tuscany, between Rome and Florence in the very heart of the Vino Nobile di
Montepulciano appellation. The estate comprises 100 acres of land, at an average of 1,200 feet above sea level. Of
this, 86 acres are vineyard and an additional five acres are olive grove.
Winemaking Philosophy
Valdipiatta’s wines are made exclusively from estate grown fruit. Eighty percent of the vineyards are Sangiovese, the
traditional Tuscan varietal. Native Canaiolo and Mammolo vines are also grown. In addition, a small amount of Cabernet
Sauvignon, Merlot and Pinot Noir vines are grown to craft a handful of innovative and refined IGT wines. Vino Nobile
di Montepulciano accounts for two thirds of Tenuta Valdipiatta’s production. The grapes from seven different crus are
harvested and vinified separately, then blended together to craft wines of exceptional character and complexity. Since
1998, the estate has collaborated with renowned oenologist, Yves Glories, from the University of Bordeaux.
