Description
Established in 1977 in Bolgheri, Italy’s ’cradle of Cabernet’, Grattamacco’s vineyards and olive groves are surrounded and protected from the prevailing strong sea breezes by 1600 hectares of vast woodlands. The vineyards are divided by soil type into seven sub-zones which also determines the ratio and type of vines planted. Calcareous sandstone in the sub-zone ‘Buca delle Cascie’ sees Cabernet and Sangiovese in predominance; the calcareous clay in ‘La Palmetta’ is ideal for Merlot and Vermentino enjoys the marl flysch of ‘Le Balze’. At harvest, following rigorous selection, fermentation takes place in the four storey gravity feed winery in truncated cone shaped oak vats of 800 litres. The estate follows the criteria of organic farming, guaranteed and certified by the AIAB (Associazione Italiana Agricoltura Biologica).
Grattamacco has delivered remarkable consistency since its first release in 1982 and, as one of Bolgheri’s historic properties, only Tenuta San Guido with Sassicaia can lay claim to a longer track record. Grattamacco remains the only producer in Bolgheri to use Sangiovese in their flagship wine, a factor we think only enhances its distinctively ‘Italian’ character (gives brightness and freshness) amongst the Cabernet dominant wines of the region.
Gamberro Rosso Winery of the Year 2014
“This is superb set of wines from Grattamacco, an estate that has at times been overlooked in favor of some of its more famous neighbors. These three reds offer something for every budget. And the flagship Grattamacco, which celebrates its 30th harvest in 2012, is superb. Best of all, prices remain quite reasonable within the context of the high-rent district that is Bolgheri.” Antonio Galloni Vinous Media October 2015.
About this wine from the winemakers: 30% Cabernet, 30% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc, 10% Sangiovese and 5% Petit Verdot.
“Bolgheri Rosso is grown in terraced vineyards at elevations between 100 and 200 metres in soils of quartzose sandstone, white clay mixed with calcareous marl flysch, and red sands. The climate is temperate Mediterranean with frequent marine breezes. Vineyard management based on practices totally respectful of the environment encourages spontaneous, but never excessive grape production, an essential requirement for ensuring authentic terroir expression. The grapes for this wine are a quality-selection from the youngest estate vineyards, combined with an initial harvest pass of the oldest vineyards. Fermentation is in stainless steel fermenters, where a part of the wine remains for maturation, while the rest goes into oak barrels for 8 months. The wine was bottled in summer 2023.”
An ample nose of red and black berry fruit, sweet spice and earthy notes. The palate hints at Tuscan flavours of leather, tar and grilled herbs, finishing rich and smooth.
Article about this wine from Jancis Robinson, Wine of the Week and 17/20 points “Luscious-looking purple. Heady. Very rich and opulent. Rather gorgeous for a young wine. Rich but not heavy. Drink 2024–32 14% alc.
“The Bolgheri Rosso has been in the Grattamacco portfolio ever since the creation of the Bolgheri DOC in 1994. Indeed it was the very first Bolgheri Rosso wine to be bottled and was created in an effort to promote the denomination. Marrone describes it as ‘a second wine of Grattamacco’ and I can certainly see why. I thought this blend of 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc, 10% Sangiovese and 5% Petit Verdot was already delicious and is a worthy reflection of the style of the top wine. Like any fine second wine, it’s simply more approachable than the grand vin, and, as usual, in this case it costs a small fraction of it.
“The Bolgheri Rosso is supplied by younger vines, especially from the lowest of the vineyard locations owned by the estate, on the road from the town of Bolgheri down to the coast, as well as from some early-picked older vines. (The harvest team sometimes go through older vineyards twice or three times to ensure all grapes are picked at optimum ripeness.) After fermentation in tank, about half of the wine is aged for eight months in used barriques.
“However delicious the wine, it would be a mistake to describe 2022 as an easy growing season. It was extremely hot and dry until the end of July, followed by an unusually wet August. This close to the coast, there are quite a lot of free-draining sandy soils on which the vines tended to suffer, with sugar and phenolic ripening out of synch, but this estate’s clay-loams were much better at retaining moisture and the wine grown on them was clearly really rather good.”
“This wine can provide Supertuscan luxury for a fraction of the price .. “ Jancis Robinson, July 2024.
96 points, James Suckling “This is really classy, with refined tannins that run the length of the wine, providing great poise and balance. It’s medium-bodied with focused and precise redcurrants and raspberries, together with cedar and light spice. Very long and beautiful. From organically grown grapes. Drinkable now, but give this two or three years to come together.”
92 points, Jeb Dunnuck”A deep but youthful ruby color, the 2022 Bolgheri Rosso is beautiful on opening, with aromas of black raspberry, lavender, sweet herbs, and fresh leather. Pure and inviting, it’s flush with plush tannins, even acidity, and a supple texture with a graceful, mineral-tinged backbone. It is a fantastic Rosso and hard to resist now, although it will certainly cruise over the next 8-10 years”
RRP $105 Our Price $79.99 when you buy 6 or more.
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