Grattamacco Bolgheri Rosso Superiore DOC 2017

Description

Gamberro Rosso Winery of the Year 2014
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.

Following the exceptional 2016 vintage this is a superb rendition. Generally referred to as ‘Grattamacco’, to distinguish it from its little brother Bolgheri Rosso, this is the estate’s flagship red, made up of 65% Cabernet, 20% Merlot and 15% Sangiovese. These are the estates oldest vines with a minimum age of 20 years, planted to 4500 – 6000 vines per hectare. Vinification begins in open truncated cone shaped vats, followed by malolactic and maturation in barriques of first and second passage for 18 months. Grattamacco stands alone in Bolgheri for its impeccable elegance. Complex aromas range from blackberry, plums, herbs, coffee and leather with perfectly integrated oak and sweet, spicy notes. The palate is long and persistent and for a wine with great ageing capacity it is incredibly enjoyable in its youth.

95 points, Monica Larner robertparker.com “Congratulations to Grattamacco on the 35th anniversary of this iconic wine. The 2017 Bolgheri Superiore Grattamacco is an organic blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot and 15% Sangiovese fermented in open-top oak vats with ambient yeasts and aged in oak for 18 months. The fruit represents a special selection from over 25 hectares of vines planted in a mix of soils with clay, sandstone, limestone marl and flysch. In fact, the territorial impact on the wine’s bouquet is strong with dusty or salty notes that frame dark fruit, dried cherry and toasted spice. This wine shows polished elegance, and that’s something that was not easy to achieve in this hot vintage.”

RRP $264