About this wine
Rabitti's flagship red, PerElisa (IGT Toscana Rosso), is a roughly equal blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese grown on vines averaging 40 years old in the Calzalunga area of Suvereto. The wine takes its name from Elisa Bonaparte, Napoleon's sister and Grand Duchess of Tuscany, who in the early 19th century established her summer residence at Calzalunga and planted experimental French vines there — reportedly requesting a Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese blend be kept on her own table. Vinified with minimal intervention, PerElisa ages for about 12 months in small French oak barrels (barrique) before a further 8-10 months of bottle refinement prior to release. Tasting notes commonly cited include ripe cherry and clove.
An approachable introduction to Tuscan Cabernet-Sangiovese blends — full of ripe fruit with just enough oak structure to feel special.
Sommelier's Note
"PerElisa proves that Suvereto's lesser-known micro-estates can rival its famous Bolgheri neighbors — a Cabernet-Sangiovese blend with real historical pedigree and honest, hand-crafted winemaking behind it."
Food Pairings
A structured, oak-aged Tuscan blend that suits grilled or braised red meats, wild boar ragù, and aged pecorino toscano — classic pairings for the Suvereto area's Cabernet-Sangiovese reds.
When to drink it
Sunday roasts, dinner with grilled meats, gifting for a milestone occasion
Specs
- Grape Varieties
- Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese
- Style
- Red
- Price Range
- $25-35 (reference estimate: the 2011 vintage retailed at roughly €16 in Italy circa 2013-2015; figure adjusted for inflation and import markup — no current official price list was found)
Terroir & Winemaking
Roughly 50/50 Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese from vines averaging 40 years old; hand-harvested; organic, low-intervention farming with no chemical fertilizers, pesticides or herbicides; aged approximately 12 months in small French oak barriques, followed by 8-10 months of bottle aging before release. IGT Toscana designation.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why is this wine called PerElisa?
- It's named for Elisa Bonaparte, Napoleon's sister and Grand Duchess of Tuscany, who built a summer residence at Calzalunga in the early 19th century and is said to have kept a Cabernet Sauvignon-Sangiovese blend from this land on her own table.
- What grape varieties are used in PerElisa?
- PerElisa is a roughly equal blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese, grown on vines averaging 40 years old in Suvereto's Calzalunga area.
- How is PerElisa aged?
- It ages about 12 months in small French oak barriques, followed by a further 8-10 months in bottle before release.
- What food pairs well with PerElisa?
- Its structure and oak character suit grilled or braised red meats, wild boar ragù, and aged pecorino toscano.
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