Wines

Grattamacco

Bolgheri

Grattamacco

Winemaker: Maurizio Castelli

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, which also determines the ratio of vines planted. 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 the four storey gravity feed winery in truncated cone-shaped oak vats of 800 litres, donated from neighbouring estate, Tenuta San Guido. The estate follows the criteria of organic farming, guaranteed and certified by AIAB, the national body accredited for such certification.

Grattamacco has delivered remarkable consistency since its first release in 1982 and remains the only producer to stay loyal to Sangiovese for their flagship wine, retaining its use in the blend as a means of cultivating authentic Italian character. The varietal breakdown of the estate’s flagship red, Grattamacco Bolgheri Superiore, is 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot and 15% Sangiovese, differing from the ‘Bolgheri Rosso’ which features less Cabernet (50%) and more Sangiovese (30%) with Merlot making up the balance. The latter also has less time in oak. Tuscan feel, world class, both Bordeaux-inspired.

The estate’s outstanding white is a 100% Vermentino and represents just 15% of total production. It is 50/50 fermented in stainless steel and new French barriques, followed by the blend sojourning in a mixture of new, one, two and three year-old oak for eight months. It is at once lively with a salty tang, yet delivers great richness and flavour.

Wines
2006 Bolgheri Rosso DOC x 6
2004 Grattamacco Bolgheri Rosso Superiore DOC x 6