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’.
The estate follows the criteria of organic farming, guaranteed and certified by the AIAB (Associazione Italiana Agricoltura Biologica). At harvest, following rigorous selection, fermentation takes place in truncated cone shaped oak vats of 800 litres and malo and ageing is in new and second passage barriques. Grattamacco has delivered remarkable consistency since its first release in 1982 they remain the only producer in Bolgheri to use Sangiovese in their flagship wine, a factor we think only enhances its distinctive Tusccan character.
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.
About this wine: Generally referred to as Grattamacco ‘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 and the wine is aged eighteen months in barriques in new and second passage barriques. 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.
About the 2020 vintage from the winemakers: “This vintage gifted generous fruit with excellent, crisp acidities, alongside clean-edged balsam and pungent Mediterranean scrub. The palate features a beautifully balanced melding of a remarkably broad vein of minerality and a generous, enfolding suite of tannins. It concludes on a superbly crisp acidity that presages significant longevity.”
Tre Bicchieri (3 glasses) – Top Score – 2024 Gambero Rosso Vini d’Italia
97 points, Vinous “The 2020 Grattamacco is an outstanding wine, dark, lively and nuanced to the core. Black fruits, lavender, spices, leather, menthol and dried herbs give the 2020 plenty of character and complexity. The 2020 is deep, but also wonderfully translucent and one of the finest Grattamaccos I can remember tasting. It has incredible depth and resonance, not to mention a lot of personality.”
97 points, The Wine Advocate “..This is an iconic blend.”
96 points, Decanter “.. A Bolgheri to wait for – this is intended for the long haul.”
RRP $343 Our Special Price $268.99 when you buy 6 or more.
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