Bolgheri
Bolgheri is a relatively new but well-known wine region on the Italian coast of Tuscany. It was officially designated as a DOC in 1994. Bolgheri is renowned for its elegant and rich red wines. Instead of the conventional Sangiovese, it mostly incorporates Bordeaux grapes including Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot.
The best wines from Bolgheri
Bolgheri is a relatively new but well-known wine region on the Italian coast of Tuscany. It was officially designated as a DOC in 1994. Bolgheri is renowned for its elegant and rich red wines.
Instead of the conventional Sangiovese, it mostly incorporates Bordeaux grapes including Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot. Bolgheri white wines are mostly made from Vermentino and are known as Bolgheri Bianco. The predecessor of Sassicaia, the first Super Tuscan wine (1968) was produced in the 1940s when Marchese Incisa della Rocchetta planted Cabernet Sauvignon on his wife's vineyard. This Super Tuscan wine brought fame to the area. Originally categorised as straightforward table wines, these wines defied Italian winemaking customs by utilising new methods and international grape varietals. Their accomplishments resulted in Bolgheri's rise as a top wine making appellation.
Grapes in wines from Bolgheri
The terroir of Bolgheri wines
Due to Mediterranean winds that moderate summer heat and winter cold, Bolgheri enjoys a temperate coastal environment. Key vineyards are situated on gravelly well-draining terrain that is evocative of Bordeaux's Medoc, which served as the inspiration for the region's Bordeaux-style wines. The soils are varied.
Super Tuscans and Prominent Producers
Italy's most esteemed wineries can be found in Bolgheri. For example Sassicaia, which was granted its own DOC in 2013 and is still regarded as one of the most well-known Super Tuscan wines. Guado al Tasso, Masseto and Ornellaia are some of the other top producers. Known for its traditional method to winemaking, Grattamacco Superiore was one of the first wineries in Bolgheri. Guado al Tasso's Il Bruciato is a more contemporary and approachable Bolgheri wine.