2022 Grattamacco Bolgheri Rosso DOC, Tuscany

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.

96 points jamessuckling.com

Luscious-looking purple. Heady. Very rich and opulent. Rather gorgeous for a young wine. Rich but not heavy. 

GV 17/20 jancisrobinson.com Drink 2024–32 14% alcohol

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

Grattamacco Bolgheri Rosso DOC is a captivating Tuscan red wine that embodies the charm and sophistication of the Bolgheri region. Produced by the iconic Grattamacco estate, one of the pioneers of Bolgheri, this wine reflects the estate's dedication to crafting wines that balance innovation with respect for tradition. The Bolgheri Rosso is a Bordeaux-inspired blend, predominantly composed of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Sangiovese, showcasing the diversity and adaptability of Bolgheri's terroir.

The vineyards for Grattamacco Bolgheri Rosso are located between Castagneto Carducci and Bolgheri, at an altitude of about 100 meters above sea level. The soils are a mix of clay, sand, and limestone, providing excellent drainage and contributing to the wine's structure and minerality. Bolgheri's warm Mediterranean climate, moderated by coastal breezes, ensures optimal ripening of the grapes while preserving their natural acidity.

After hand-harvesting, the grapes undergo fermentation in stainless steel tanks at controlled temperatures to retain their aromatic purity and varietal expression. The wine is aged for about 10 months in oak barrels, followed by several months of bottle aging before release. This process enhances the wine's complexity and allows the blend to harmonize.

Grattamacco Bolgheri Rosso presents a deep ruby color in the glass. The nose is vibrant and inviting, with aromas of ripe blackberries, cherries, and plums, accented by notes of Mediterranean herbs, spice, and a touch of vanilla. On the palate, it is medium to full-bodied, with velvety tannins and a balanced acidity that frames flavors of dark fruit, licorice, and a hint of tobacco. The finish is long and refined, leaving a lingering impression of freshness and elegance.

This wine pairs beautifully with a range of dishes, including Tuscan wild boar ragù, grilled lamb chops, or aged Pecorino cheese. It also shines alongside classic Italian pasta dishes with rich, tomato-based sauces. Grattamacco Bolgheri Rosso DOC is a versatile and approachable introduction to the Bolgheri style, offering excellent value and the potential to age gracefully over the next five to seven years.