2022 Grattamacco Bolgheri Rosso Superiore DOC, Tuscany

A dark and complex wine not without grace. On the nose it shows restrained cassis, kiwis, anise, oak bark, cloves and a light touch of leaves. Full-bodied on the palate, with density, fine-grained tannins and crisp, exuberant acidity. Long, balanced, savory, slightly austere finish. Enjoyable for a kind of elegant lightness. It will be released in October 2025. Drinkable then, but best from 2026.

97 points Aldo Fiordelli, James Suckling

Elegant, bright ruby colour with a brightening core. Subtle expression on the nose, shy, fine wood, cold smoke, light wild berry flavours, undergrowth, with a slight aftertaste of liquorice. Plenty of juice and crunchy fruit on the palate, subtle resinous-earthy tones, but shows rough tannins in the background, still needs a lot of patience.

96 points Falstaff

For the anniversary year, an "old classic" reminiscent of 2018: Enchanting with a floral aroma of blackcurrants, Mediterranean maquis and coffee; with its powdery tannins and acidity, it is extremely balanced on the palate, with a precise fruity-spicy finish, showing elegance right to the end!

97 points Vinum Magazine 

Grattamacco is one of the historic names of Bolgheri, founded in 1977 and among the first estates to recognise the extraordinary potential of this once-sleepy stretch of the Tuscan coast. Its elevated vineyards overlook the Tyrrhenian Sea, where cooling maritime breezes temper the Mediterranean sunshine. Grattamacco has always stood slightly apart from its neighbours, retaining an important role for Sangiovese alongside Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, giving its flagship Bolgheri Rosso Superiore a distinctly Tuscan soul.

The 2022 vintage was warm and dry, making Grattamacco’s hillside position and cooling coastal influence particularly valuable. The estate’s soils — a complex mix of limestone, sandstone and clay — bring structure and savoury character, while careful maturation allows the ripe fruit to settle into something beautifully composed. There’s plenty of Bolgheri richness here, but also freshness and an earthy Mediterranean edge.

Deep ruby with purple-black highlights, the nose opens with cassis, black cherry and ripe plum before revealing violet, Mediterranean herbs and liquorice. With air come graphite, tobacco leaf, cedar and bitter chocolate, joined by a little dried orange peel. The palate is concentrated yet energetic, with dark fruit wrapped in firm, polished tannins and fresh acidity. Blackcurrant, savoury herbs and cocoa build through the middle before a long finish of graphite, spice and warm Tuscan earth.

This deserves a proper Italian feast: bistecca alla Fiorentina with rosemary and olive oil, slow-braised wild boar pappardelle, rosemary-roasted lamb shoulder, porcini risotto or aged Pecorino Toscano. 

Cellaring: Drink from 2027 to 2045.