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WINES OF CENTRAL ITALY
Tua Rita
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.
“Rosso dei Notri” Toscana IGT
This youthful offering from Tua Rita is made of roughly 50% Sangiovese which is complimented with
equal parts Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah, harvested in September from vineyards in the
foothills of Suvereto, a small hilltop village in Tuscany. After a gentle pressing, the wine is aged for three
months in French oak barriques and stainless steel tanks.
“Perlato del Bosco” Toscana IGT
Perlato del Bosco is made entirely with Sangiovese from estate vineyards in Suvereto. The grapes are
harvested and vinified in stainless steel before being aged for 12 months in a combination of French oak
barriques and large barrels.
“Giusto di Notri” Toscana IGT
Giusto di Notri is a Bordeaux-inspired blend based on Cabernet Sauvignon, and complimented by Merlot
and Cabernet Franc, selectively harvested in September. After a gentle pressing, the juice and skins
macerate for a lengthy period of 25 – 30 days to add concentration and depth to the final wine. The wine
is then aged for 18 – 20 months in French oak barrels and refined six months in bottle before release.
The word “Giusto” refers to the name of the Patron Saint of Suvereto (the hilltop Tuscan town where
Tua Rita is located) and “Notri” is the name of the winery’s exact location.