Bolgheri DOC

In the heart of Tuscany, nestled between lush green hills and the Mediterranean coastline, Bolgheri is one of the most prestigious names in Italian wine. This DOC appellation, named after the small village of the same name in the north of the province of Livorno, enjoys a worldwide reputation thanks to its exceptional red wines, synonymous with elegance, richness, balance and ageing potential. Rivaling the finest Bordeaux wines, these wines are the result of a perfect blend of exceptional natural conditions, the expertise and pioneering vision of the producers, all aimed at achieving the highest possible quality. The Bolgheri DOC appellation was established in 1983 before being divided into three sub-appellations in 1994: Bolgheri Rosso, Bolgheri Superiore and Bolgheri Sassicaia. Now the epitome of Italian excellence, this appellation appeals to both discerning wine lovers and collectors worldwide.

The history of Bolgheri is inextricably linked to a name that has become legendary: Sassicaia. In the 1940s, Marquis Mario Incisa della Rocchetta, owner of the Tenuta San Guido estate, decided to plant Bordeaux grape varieties, mainly Cabernet Sauvignon, on the rocky hillsides below Castiglioncello Castle. At the time, this initiative seemed daring in a Tuscany dominated by indigenous grape varieties such as Sangiovese. He thus created the Bolgheri Sassicaia wine, whose name evokes the stony soil (sassi = stones).

Although initially little known, the first vintages developed magnificently over the years, so much so that the marquis decided to plant two further vineyards of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. In 1968, the first Sassicaia, in a style inspired by the great Bordeaux wines, went on sale, quickly becoming a hit with wine lovers and gradually attracting the attention of international critics. The real turning point came in 1978 when the wine won a blind tasting organised by Decanter magazine, beating several great Bordeaux wines.

This success marked the birth of the ‘Super Tuscans’ phenomenon. These wines sparked a genuine revolution, breaking the rules of Italian appellations to create exceptional wines of global renown. The crowning achievement came in 2013 when the Bolgheri Sassicaia DOC was recognised, no longer as a sub-zone, but as a fully-fledged appellation in its own right. The only one to be produced entirely by a single estate!

Bolgheri wine is produced in an exceptional natural setting, nestled between the sea and the hills. Spanning just over 1,200 hectares, the Bolgheri vineyard is situated on the Tuscan coast, a few kilometres from the Tyrrhenian Sea. The vineyard’s geographical location gives it a unique microclimate, which is ideal for the grapes to thrive. Sea breezes caress the vines and keep the air pure and fresh, cooling, drying and protecting the vines from disease. The mild temperatures encourage the slow and harmonious ripening of the grapes, which contributes to the freshness and elegance of the wines, whilst the temperature variations between day and night enhance their aromatic expression and ensure a lovely acidity.

Geologically speaking, the Bolgheri vineyard rests on a veritable mosaic of soils, of marine and alluvial origin, covered with rounded pebbles. Clay, sand, limestone and alluvial deposits alternate across the vineyard. This diversity offers an incredible variety of expressions to the different grape varieties, and brings complexity, finesse and tension to the wines.

Bolgheri DOC red wines are among the most prestigious and sought-after in Italy. Visually, they are distinguished by their intense, deep colour. On the nose, the aromatic profile is dominated by intense notes of black fruits (blackcurrant, blackberry, etc.) and plum, accompanied by balsamic notes and aromas of Mediterranean herbs, spices and graphite. With unrivalled richness and elegance, Bolgheri Rosso is characterised by a dense, velvety tannic structure, balanced by vibrant fruit and refreshing acidity. The wines, aged for a long time in oak barrels, offer remarkable depth and exceptional ageing potential.

Whilst Bolgheri DOC is best known for its great red wines, in 1983 the appellation covered only white and rosé wines. Made primarily from Vermentino, Viognier and Sauvignon Blanc, the Bolgheri Bianco wines charm with their fresh, mineral character. The rare Bolgheri Rosato wines stand out for their fruity, fresh and elegant character.