Per Elisa, Toscano Rosso – IGT, 2012

In Suvereto, Livorno, not so far from the reputed Bolghieri appellation, is a family-run agriturismo, Azienda Agricola Rabitti, specializing in olive oil, truffles and of course, wine. The family pridefully makes artisanal products using only natural methods, and recently, we had the pleasure of enjoying their rosso vino, Per Elisa, Toscano Rosso IGT, 2012.

Per Elisa has a very interesting history, with French origins. In the early 1800s, Elisa Bonaparte, sister of the infamous Napoleon, traveled into Suvereto and identified the area for its excellent terroir. Establishing vineyards there, she implanted a blend of French vines originating from the Botanical Garden of Marseille alongside native Tuscan vines. Each harvest would yield a beautiful blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese, providing both structure and depth balanced with acidity, while pairing nicely with both traditional French and Tuscan cuisines.

Today, Flavio Rabitti, the kind-hearted winemaker and head of the agriturismo, oversees each harvest with careful attention. In the 2012 vintage only hand-picked grapes of the highest quality from 40-60 year-old vines underwent the vinification process. As a testament to the artistry of the wine, the ratio of Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese is not exactly quantified, but Flavio shared that approximately 60-70% of the wine is from Cabernet Sauvignon and 30-40% is from Sangiovese. After this selection each grape varietal is vinified separately, and maceration lasts for roughly 13 days. Thereafter the wine is aged in used French oak for a period of 12 months. Per Elisa then stays in bottle in a cool, dark cellar for a minimum of 24 months before its release. The only illumination in the cellar during this refinement phase is from candlelight.

We had the pleasure of enjoying this wine on a balcony overlooking the Arno River in Florence and its power and elegance matched the beauty and warmth of the city. The 2012 vintage has a lovely ruby hue and the bouquet is both intense and engaging. Plum, black currant, cherry, hematite, violets, tobacco essence and hints of humus are present in the aroma and taste. It is a beautiful mix of freshness and crisp paired with tannin to add mouthfeel, first quite present and then softening to allow some fruit to shine on the palate. Fruit turns to savory-ness and it has an enjoyable long finish.

At 14% ABV, this unfiltered wine is the perfect addition to basking in the sun along the Arno River. And if that is not in your cards, then enjoy it with red meat, grilled meats, and charcuterie, along with aged cheeses. It’s also lovely with fresh truffles, harvested by Flavio’s talented dogs!

If you have the opportunity to visit Suvereto, it is worth a visit to Azienda Agricola Rabitti. Check out the Azienda’s website and let us know what you think of this wine. It is an excellent value and an impeccable wine – a rare find and a once in a lifetime delight.

And to take just a moment in these challenging times amidst the coronavirus pandemic, we wish safety to our beloved Italian winemakers, our wine-drinking community, and the international community. Let’s stay healthy, stay inside, and practice safe social distancing. And maybe have a splash of high-quality, well-made, and delicious wine like Per Elisa, while we’re at it.