TuscanyItaly

Grattamacco

Bolgheri

Grattamacco

Winemaker: Maurizio Castelli

Viticulture: Certified Organic

Established in 1977 in Bolgheri, Italy's 'cradle of Cabernet', Grattamacco's 14 hectares of vineyards and olive groves are surrounded by vast woodlands which protect the estate from the prevailing strong sea breezes. The vineyards are divided by soil type into seven micro zones: 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 truncated cone-shaped oak vats of 800 litres, and the estate follows the criteria of organic farming, guaranteed and certified by AIAB.

Grattamacco has delivered remarkable consistency since its first release in 1982 and, as one of Maremma's historical properties, only Tenuta San Guido can lay claim to a longer track record. Grattamacco remain the only producer in Bolgheri to stay loyal to Sangiovese in their flagship wine, a factor we think only enhances its distinctly Italian character amongst the Bordeaux-styled wines of the region. The flagship red, Bolgheri Rosso Superiore, is 60% Cabernet Sauvignon with equal parts of Merlot and Sangiovese from the estate's oldest vines (minimum 20 years). Concentrated and complex aromas range from blackberry, bramble and blueberry with perfectly integrated oak and elegant, sweet spicy notes. For a wine with great ageing capacity, it is incredibly enjoyable in its youth. Bolgheri Rosso, their 'vino secondo', is also 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, with 20% Cabernet Franc, 10% Merlot and 10% Sangiovese. Less time in oak makes this more fruit-forward, with a distinct Tuscan flavour of dark berry fruits, leather, tar and grilled herbs. The estate's outstanding and rare white wine (just sixty bottles shipped) is a pure Vermentino fermented and aged in a combination of stainless steel and new and old barriques. It is at once lively with a salty tang, yet delivers great richness and flavour.

Wines
Vermentino DOC
Bolgheri Rosso DOC
Bolgheri Rosso Superiore DOC