# Redigaffi (2021)

- **Producer:** Tua Rita
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Merlot
- **Region:** Toscana, Italy
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 15.5%
- **Average price:** €290
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** black cherry, black plum, blackberry, ripe fruit, vanilla, coffee, chocolate, cedar, cloves, tobacco, earth, liquorice, leather

## About this wine

Redigaffi is a 100% Merlot wine from Tua Rita, located in Suvereto, Tuscany. The wine is named after a nearby stream and gained international acclaim, notably being the first Italian wine to receive a perfect score from Robert Parker Jr. for its 2000 vintage. Tua Rita was founded in 1984 by Rita and Virgilio Bisti, evolving into a renowned producer of Super Tuscans. The estate's terroir, with its clayey soils and mineral content, is well-suited for Merlot cultivation. The 2021 vintage is noted for its density and complexity.

## Interesting facts

- Named after a small stream on the property.
- First Italian wine to score 100 points from Robert Parker Jr.
- Considered a benchmark for Italian Merlot.
- Production is limited to around 9,000 bottles annually.

## Food pairing

The wine's full body and substantial tannins are well-suited to rich, protein-heavy dishes, where they can be softened by the food's fat and protein. The wine's complexity and dark fruit notes can complement game meats and earthy flavors.

## Wine making process

Redigaffi is produced from 100% Merlot grapes grown in Suvereto, Tuscany. The grapes are hand-harvested into small crates. Fermentation takes place spontaneously in wooden or steel tanks with skin maceration. The wine then undergoes an aging process of 18-20 months in first-passage French oak barriques, with new oak being a significant component. Following barrel aging, the wine rests in bottle for several months before release. Vineyard management is described as meticulous and artisanal.