Cellar Release: Tua Rita, 2009 Syrah + 2018 Keir "Super Tuscans" 2-Bottle Set (tax included in price)
Cellar Release: Tua Rita, 2009 Syrah + 2018 Keir "Super Tuscans" 2-Bottle Set (tax included in price)
In 1984 Rita and Virgilio realized their lifelong dream of purchasing the property that became Tua Rita, located in Suvereto, a small medieval town in the Tuscan province of Livorno, on the coast south of Bolgheri, in the Val di Cornia. The winery lies just 300 feet above sea level on clay, silty soil. The landscape and buildings on this property were a mere setting for living in contact with nature while farming their beloved land. Their overwhelming passion for wine actually changed their plans.
The original two hectares of vineyards have been cultivated meticulously since the beginning; this rigorous and passionate care collocated Tua Rita among the most successful producers labeled as “vins de garage.” In less than a decade, they had extended the property up to nine hectares, then twenty; nowadays, the totality of the planted vines includes thirty hectares. Luca D'Attoma, the estate’s winemaker, keeps yields to a minimum to ensure the concentration of flavors. How low? The estate’s total annual production of all wines is just 3400 cases.
Growth of estate, the cellar, and the reputation as one of Italy’s greatest estates have been steadily growing, driven by Rita and Virgilio’s extreme commitment to excellence, enduring enthusiasm, and an ever-deepening awareness of the potential of this estate. Daughter Simena is now involved in the family-run business after Virgilio’s death in 2010.
Here we have two of their highly rated Syrah, one amphora aged from the 2018 vintage and the other oak-aged and cellar aged from the 2009 vintage. These would be a stunning pair of back-to-back wines at a holiday or celebratory dinner with just a few people that will wholeheartedly appreciate wines of this quality. Or as a holiday gift for a wine-loving friend, family member, or colleague. If you’re planning on enjoying them both, with company, in the course of one dinner, our recommendation is to start with the fresher, younger, amphora-aged 2018 Keir and then transition into the richer, deeper, oak-aged, and cellar-aged 2009 Syrah. A glorious sequence for a holiday meal.
Wines included in this set (1 Bottle each):
2018 Tua Rita, 'Keir', Syrah, Toscana, Italy ($153)
100% Syrah
Keir, a complex wine, is an absolute novelty. It is in fact, the first production with vinification and refining in amphora of Tua Rita. A method that is lost in the history of wine culture, has the strength and the privilege of enhancing the varietal characteristics of the grape. It has a limited production of only 2,500 bottles.
CRITICAL ACCLAIM
96 Points - Decanter
The first vintage of Keir in 2016 signaled a new style of wine for Tua Rita: 100% Syrah fermented and macerated on the skins for six months in terracotta amphorae. This 2018 has mineral, gun-flinty aromas but with lively, pure flavors of brambles, smoke and licorice. It has a beautifully elegant, gossamer palate with very fine-textured tannins. Drinking Window: 2021 - 2028
94 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2018 Keir very much stands out in this set of new releases from Tua Rita. A passion project and something of an intellectual challenge accepted mutually by Stefano Frascolla and Luca D'Attoma, this is Syrah fermented in Tuscan amphorae with six months of skin contact (followed by four months in neutral oak). This vintage is especially delicate and pure, and one important reason for this is the growing season that was extended by 15 days in this 2018 vintage. That extra time allowed the fruit to mature slowly according to its own timetable. This is a luxury that is appreciated by Syrah in particular. The wine emerges with delicate, almost fragile aromas of wild rose, wet earth, violets, and crushed black pepper. Syrah is very expressive of territory and vintage, and this wine speaks of classic Tuscany. It is naked in its purity. A precious few 4,000 bottles were made, and the wine's release date is October 2020. Keir represents a "new wave" of thinking from Tua Rita.
2009 Tua Rita, Syrah, Toscana, Italy ($252)
100% Syrah
Hand-crafted by the esteemed winemaker Luca d'Attoma, Tua Rita Syrah is a beautiful expression of this noble variety. Yields are kept to a minimum to ensure flavor concentration. Remarkably layered and complex, this Syrah is pure harmony in the glass and a must-have for every collector of fine Tuscan wines. Deep garnet in color, notes of ripe blackberries and plums complement undertones of figs, black pepper, and violets. On the palate, it is full-bodied with silky tannins and flavors that unfold into a lush finish. This wine is at its peak now; no need to further cellar age. Perfect for this holiday season.
CRITICAL ACCLAIM
94 Points – James Suckling
Blackberry, cracked pepper, and graphite aromas and flavors, with hints of vanilla and toast, highlight this muscular red. Firmly structured yet resonates with the long raspberry aftertaste. The lasting impression is purity and ripened fruit. 208 cases made, 50 cases imported to the US. Drink 2014 - 2025.
PLEASE NOTE
Purchasers must be 21 years of age or older and be present with an ID upon delivery.
Price includes 5.50% Maine State sales tax and Maine’s fifteen-cents redemption deposit per bottle.
If your billing address is different from your delivery address, please include your delivery address in the comments section at checkout.
*Delivery is by Wine Wise—not third-party carriers. Our delivery area is Cape Elizabeth, Cumberland Foreside, Falmouth, Old Orchard Beach, Portland, Saco, Scarborough, South Portland, and Westbrook. We have a larger delivery area for Wine Club deliveries.
