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 wine can provide Supertuscan luxury for a fraction of the price .. “ Jancis Robinson, July 2024.
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 2024.”
“Although spring was quite wet, the expertise of our vineyard team ensured that our grapes remained sound and healthy. Summer was very hot, but relieved by late-August rains. Harvest started on 9 September and concluded on 5 October. This vintage turned out to be a classic growing season, allowing the fruit to ripen slowly and consistently and preserving crisp acidities. It gifted us with firmly-structured wines of impressive depth.”
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.
94 points, Jeb Dunnuck “The 2023 Bolgheri Rosso highlights the importance of the Cabernet Franc in the blend. In the glass, it displays a purple/red color and is highly expressive with wonderful energy on the nose. Fermented in stainless steel tank, and then in used barrels (3 to 4 years old), the nose reveals lively aromas of currants, graphite, black raspberries, sweet herbs, and floral perfume. The palate is full-bodied, with a refreshing, compact, and angular structure, well-defined tannins, an even spine of acidity, and notes of dusty earth through the finish. An overachiever with exceptional purity, this is an early contender for top lists of the year.
RRP $105 Our Price $87.99 when you buy 6 or more.
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