Wine Advisor
Grattamacco, Bolgheri Superiore 2016
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Description
Tasting notes
Reviewed by: James Suckling
This is a dense and powerful red with blackberries, blueberries and spices. Full body, silky tannins and a long and flavorful finish. Class. Best ever? A blend of cabernet sauvignon, merlot and sangiovese.
Reviewed by: James Suckling
So much rosemary and tobacco, highlighting the currants and other fruit on the nose. Medium body and firm, silky tannins. Balanced and fresh finish. Remains subtle and complex. From organically grown grapes. Best after 2020.
Reviewed by: James Suckling
Restrained yet intense, with aromas of brambleberries, balsamic, kiwis, leather and milk chocolate. Full-bodied, it shows velvety tannins, a dense palate, crisp if not zesty acidity and a polished finish. Flavors of milk chocolate and Mediterranean herbs. Powerful and balanced. Very youthful indeed. Drink or hold.
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.
