{"product_id":"2018-tua-rita-redigaffi","title":"2018 Tua Rita Redigaffi","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe 2018 Tua Rita Redigaffi is one of Tuscany’s most sought-after expressions of Merlot, a wine that regularly rivals the great names of Bordeaux in depth and stature. Sourced from coastal vineyards near Suvereto, this is a powerful yet supremely polished red that showcases the full potential of Merlot grown in Tuscan sunshine and maritime breezes. The 2018 vintage stands out for its remarkable combination of intensity, purity of fruit, and finely tuned elegance, reflecting a near-perfect growing season along the Tuscan coast.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn the glass, the 2018 Redigaffi is deep, opaque ruby with a dark core and subtle violet highlights at the rim, hinting at both concentration and youth. The nose is intensely layered: ripe black plum, blackberry compote and dried cherry unfold first, followed by nuances of espresso, dark chocolate, and sweet tobacco. As it opens, you’ll find notes of dried herbs, graphite, licorice, and well-integrated toasted oak, adding complexity and dimension.\n\nOn the palate, this is a rich, full-bodied Merlot with velvety yet structured tannins and a core of perfectly ripe dark fruit—black cherry, plum, and cassis—framed by hints of dried cherry, balsamic, cocoa, and warm spices. Despite its density, the wine retains a striking freshness, with vibrant acidity that lifts the fruit and keeps the finish long, clean, and precise. The oak is beautifully judged: present, but never overpowering, adding toast, vanilla, and a gentle smokiness. This is a wine built for longevity; while already impressive, it will reward cellaring for 10–20 years or more, gaining further complexity, softness, and tertiary notes with time.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduction\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eTua Rita’s vineyards lie in Suvereto on the Tuscan coast, where warm days, cool nights, and maritime winds create an ideal microclimate for Merlot. The soils are a mix of clay, gravel, and mineral-rich deposits that naturally limit yields and add structure and depth to the wines. Grapes for Redigaffi are hand-harvested at optimal ripeness, with rigorous selection in the vineyard and at the sorting table to ensure only the best berries are used. Fermentation typically takes place in temperature-controlled vessels, with careful extraction to build concentration without harshness. The wine is then aged in high-quality French oak barriques, a significant portion of which are new, allowing Redigaffi to develop its signature richness, polish, and aromatic complexity while preserving the character of its Tuscan terroir.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFood \u0026amp; Serving\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe 2018 Redigaffi is a superb partner for richly flavored dishes such as slow-braised beef, osso buco, lamb shanks, or a classic bistecca alla fiorentina. It also pairs beautifully with truffle dishes, aged hard cheeses (like Parmigiano Reggiano or Pecorino Toscano), and hearty mushroom or game-based ragù served over fresh pasta. Serve at 16–18°C (60–64°F) to highlight its aromatics and balance. Decanting is highly recommended—give it at least 1–2 hours in a decanter in its youth to allow the wine to fully bloom; older bottles can be decanted more gently, mainly to remove sediment.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProducer\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eTua Rita was founded in 1984 when Rita Tua and her husband Virgilio purchased a small property in Suvereto with just two hectares of vines, originally with no ambition of creating a world-famous estate. Their meticulous work in the vineyard and cellar quickly caught the attention of critics and collectors, and over time the estate grew to around 30 hectares of top-quality vineyards. Tua Rita’s reputation was firmly cemented when Redigaffi received a perfect 100-point score from Robert Parker, placing it among the elite wines of the world and establishing it as one of Italy’s great Merlot benchmarks. Today, under the leadership of their daughter Simena and her husband Stefano Frascolla, Tua Rita remains a reference point for high-end Tuscan reds, consistently delivering wines of power, refinement, and strong regional character.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Tua Rita","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54251833000273,"sku":"GCW-MMUI-1860314","price":249.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0874\/0614\/9969\/files\/2016_Tua_Rita_Redigaffi.png?v=1783441718","url":"https:\/\/bottlehero.com\/products\/2018-tua-rita-redigaffi","provider":"Bottle Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}