TUA RITA
TUSCANY, ITALY 2022
WHY BUY:
Tua Rita’s approach sits at the opposite end of high-volume commercial winemaking, and that's just one of the things that gives their 96-point Giusto di Notri its distinctiveness ... not to mention a terroir character like little else in Italian wine. At $84 a bottle, it also happens to be a superlative value, an insider's pick that, in price, quality, and pedigree, we consider on par with Ornellaia. As always, Tua Rita uses only hand-picked grapes, employs natural fermentations, insists upon minimal intervention, and strictly limits yields (Redigaffi, which earned Italy its first-ever 100-point score from Robert Parker, and which we bring you as well — a 98-point, all-Merlot beauty comparable to Masseto, but at a third of the price — is restricted to just 3,500 cases annually). Folks, Super Tuscans don’t get more exclusive — or more distinct and delicious — than these two.
WHAT THEY’RE SAYING:
James Suckling’s 98-point assessment of the Redigaffi 2022 perfectly captures its evolution in the glass: Opens "with reserve and beauty. And then it grows on the palate with polished and focused tannins that take it to another level. ... A sophisticated red … with a long future ahead.” Suckling also weighed in on the Giusto di Notri 2022, awarding 96 points and singling out its “pretty core of fruit” and "savory, succulent finish.”
OUR TASTING NOTES:
The Redigaffi arrives with that mysterious reserve Suckling mentioned: you sense depth before you even taste it. First sip: pure silk with backbone, those polished tannins building slowly, like an aria. There's blackcurrant intensity, but it's wrapped in cocoa richness that speaks directly to the Suvereto terroir. Twenty minutes in the glass, and you’ll see that it’s completely transformed — more expansive, more generous, revealing layers you hadn't picked up on initially. This is 100% Merlot operating at the highest level. The Giusto di Notri tells an entirely different story. Where Redigaffi seduces, this one argues its case with authority, thanks to the commanding presence of Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend. The core fruit (dark cherry and cassis) is undeniable and appealing, but what really compels is its herbal complexity. And we keep coming back for more of that wonderfully dusty dark chocolate note at the finish.
THE STORY:
The most fascinating thing about Tua Rita? It wasn't supposed to happen. In 1984, Rita Tua and her husband Virgilio Bisti bought 37 1/2 acres in Suvereto with the modest goal of making wine for personal enjoyment. They planted Cabernet and Merlot (international varieties in Tuscany, which was still somewhat radical), and decided to work the land naturally, with minimal intervention. Eight years later, something extraordinary occurred. Their 1992 Redigaffi stunned critics and launched what would become one of Italy's most improbable success stories. By 2000, Robert Parker awarded their Merlot a perfect 100 points, the first Italian wine ever to achieve this distinction. What makes this achievement even more remarkable is the scale. While Tuscany's famous estates produce tens of thousands of cases, Tua Rita famously limits yields. Today, Rita's daughter Simena and son-in-law Stefano Frascolla continue the intimate, hands-on approach of Rita Tua and Virgilio Bisti, proving that in winemaking, vision and terroir come first.
THE TERROIR:
Suvereto sits in Tuscany's Alto Maremma, distinct from the more famous Chianti or Montalcino regions. The vineyard's elevated position, perched as it is on clay-silt soils loaded with stones, and rocks, makes for mineral-rich wines. The Mediterranean breezes keep the grapes from over-concentrating and becoming too intense.
THE METHOD:
Tua Rita follows Italy's artisanal tradition with almost religious devotion. Grapes are handpicked, fermentation occurs naturally, and minimal filtration preserves the fruit's essential character. The wines age in high-quality French oak barriques, but never so long that wood overwhelms fruit. Every decision prioritizes purity and concentration — in other words, the antithesis of industrial winemaking.
WHAT TO PAIR THEM WITH:
The Redigaffi calls for big, hearty flavors: an aged Pecorino Toscano, an herb-roasted pork loin, a charred, medium-rare ribeye with a garlic-rosemary butter compound. The Giusto di Notri pairs beautifully with an herb-crusted lamb, a white bean-and-sausage stew, or even just a plate of roasted vegetables anointed with aged balsamic.
FUN FACT:
When Robert Parker awarded that historic 100-point score to the 2000 Redigaffi, he famously declared it "as close to perfection as a wine can get." The wine world took notice, but Rita Tua's response was characteristically humble: she simply continued doing what she'd always done, proving that authenticity resonates louder than hype.
OUR GUARANTEE:
As always, we only source directly from the estate, ensuring pristine provenance. Secure these limited-production wines today!
*Offer NOT valid in-store. This offer is made pre-arrival, with wines estimated to be delivered to your preferred store in Fall 2025. All sale prices are the lowest available at Total Wine & More and ONLY valid through Concierge Sales. No further discounts or coupons may be applied. The price reflected on your order form is subject to change after the order is placed in the event of a change in tariffs or taxes that are imposed by the U.S. government, or in the case of currency fluctuations of 10% or greater. Offer not valid in KS, MI, NE, NY, OK & TN. This offer is valid for TWO WEEKS, or until sold out, and will expire on Thursday, June 12th, 2025.