Wine Advisor
Grattamacco, Bolgheri Rosso 2023
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Description
Tasting notes
Reviewed by: Monica Larner
The organic Grattamacco 2023 Bolgheri Rosso was a little closed when I tasted my sample. The wine shows a firmness and concentration that you don't get in the much looser 2022 vintage that I tasted at the same time. There is plenty of dark fruit, baked plum and dried cherry skins, but the wine also delivers some spice and burnt ember that add a savory signature. The blend is 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc, 10% Sangiovese and 5% Petit Verdot, with 110,000 bottles released.
About the Producer
Grattamacco founded in 1977, the Estate lies in a protected area on one of Bolgheri’s only two hills, a location famous for its ancient history, and the particular soil here is of utmost importance. Grattamacco is part of the ColleMassari group since 2002. In Bolgheri, Grattamacco’s signature style of elegance over power is obtained from the inclusion of a small percentage of Sangiovese in the blend, together with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, all grown at a relatively high altitude of 100 to 200 meters above sea level. A single vineyard was planted in 2004, located on the plain with a terroir mix of silt and red sandy soils. The estate is situated in a protected spot on the hills of Bolgheri facing the sea at an altitude of 100 to 200 meters above sea level. The Estate was the first to plant Vermentino in Bolgheri with the oldest vineyard from 1986 and still fully in production. Today, the Grattamacco estate counts 80 hectares, 29 of which are vineyards, 4 of which are olive groves, surrounded by a vast woodland that moderates the Tyrrhenian sea’s winds, for a drying effect that allows the estate to work sustainably. Red wines grape varieties: 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Sangiovese, 10% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petit Verdot White wines grape varieties: 100% Vermentino A traditional winemaking approach from low-yield sustainable vineyards. All grapes are hand-harvested and then spontaneously fermented in conical open oak vats of 7hl or stainless steel tanks depending on the wine, with very long macerations. All wines are aged in French oak barriques, from new to second passage.
