Tua Rita Redigaffi 2023

Precise and subtle aromas of black olives, brambleberries, sandalwood, iodine and oyster shells with a hint of meat. Medium- to full-bodied with tannins that run the length of the wine and show a compact and structured sensibility and wonderful length and finesse. Focused, with a classy texture. So long, continuous, graceful and refined. 100% merlot. Sustainable. Give it two or three years to come completely together.

One of Italy’s benchmark Merlots, the Tua Rita 2023 Redigaffi is the result of important fruit selection and a strong focus on purity, balance and freshness. Merlot performed well in 2023 with healthy vines, no hydric stress and extensive pre-harvest sorting to remove softer berries in favor of crunchy ones. The wine shows a creamy, almost lactic side with dark fruit, blackberry, cherry compote and notes of milk chocolate across a plush mid-palate. Aged in 80% new oak, Redigaffi delivers structure and power without jamminess, offering a beautifully controlled and tactile expression from a vineyard planted in four stages in 1988, 1996, 1997 and 2001, with production limited to around 10,000 bottles plus magnums.

Redigaffi is Tua Rita's acclaimed 100% Merlot. The 2023 is deeply balsamic and dark fruited, poised and breezy. A background of spices, cream and chocolate is interspersed with cardamom and violets, while black and blue fruits and gum-tingling acidity take centre stage. Tight and sapid, it concludes with the emergence of fine, silky tannins and a floral-saline flourish.

Made entirely from Merlot, the 2023 Redigaffi is a standout in the range and one of my favorites for its refinement and freshness. It pours a bright red hue and opens with expressive aromas of red plum, red apple, cedar, mint, and fresh leather, with a touch of toast. Full-bodied, it remains light on its feet, with ripe tannins, a polished texture, and a sense of balance that carries through the palate. Subtle saline and mocha notes linger on the finish, adding complexity and length. Drink 2027-2047.

Powerful, bright ruby red colour. Intense nose with appealing notes of cedar wood, blueberry, blackberry and cassis, Mediterranean herbs in the background. Tightly structured, earthy and deep on the palate, with plenty of rich berry fruit, grippy tannins and balsamic notes on the finish.

The 2023 Redigaffi is laced with super-ripe dark fruit, truffle, dried herbs, licorice and mocha. Already quite open and delicate, the 2023 gives the impression of a wine that is ready to drink and that will likely mature at a slightly faster clip relative to the norm here.