Tenuta Argentiera - Bolgheri Superiore 2020

Tenuta Argentiera stands in a magnificent patch of land in the Maremma that blends countryside and sea, suspended between woods and Mediterranean scrub. The Argentiera estate covers 75 hectares of breathtakingly beautiful Tuscan coast, approximately 100 km southwest of Florence. In the prestigious DOC of Bolgheri, Argentiera is the estate closest to the sea and also highest in altitude, making the land and microclimate especially well-suited to growing incredible red grapes. The estate is considered among the most beautiful in Italy, with its spectacular view of the islands of the Tuscan archipelago.

As one example of their recent achievements, they were awarded 99 points by James Suckling for their Argentiera Bolgheri Superiore 2015.

Tenuta Argentiera lies on the ancient Donoratico Estate.  Formerly the summer home of the notable Serristori family of Florence, the estate is now owned by the Fratini brothers who have made significant investments in the vineyards, winery and cellars over the past decade.  Originally the site of precious metal deposits, Argentiera derives its name from the Italian noun “Argento”, or silver.  This minerality that permeates the variety of soils on the estate is characteristically present in the wines.  Argentiera has been crafting wonderful wines for over a decade, however it was only with their first Gambero Rosso Tre Bicchieri award did they start garnering the praise they deserve. 

The Argentiera Estate spans over 500 hectares, but only a scant 75 are dedicated to vineyards.  All of the estate’s plantings lie within the broad Bolgheri DOC. Their soils range from calcareous and stony to sandy to mineral and pebbly, lending complexity to the Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Syrah. The vineyards are surrounded by Mediterranean vegetation and the countryside is flush with maritime pines and olive tree groves. Argentiera has five main vineyard sites, ranging in elevation from 80-220 meters above sea level: Argentiera, Ginestre, Ventaglio, Porcarecce, and Ceccosodo. Every plot is harvested and vinified separately, exclusively in stainless steel, to preserve the character and fruity complexity lent by terroir variations. The wineries and cellars themselves are made of recycled or traditional materials such as terracotta and baked roofing tiles.

Grapes are hand-picked and carefully selected from the estate’s best vineyards, which are found at an altitude between 180 and 200 meters (590-600 feet). The grapes are released by gravity into tanks, each varietal vinified separately. Fermentation and maceration take place in stainless steel tanks for roughly 25-30 days at a controlled temperature never exceeding 28/30° C. The wine is then transferred to 225-liter French oak barrels – half of which are new – to complete malolactic fermentation. Aging takes place over 18 months in barrel, followed by another 12 months in bottle before being released to the market.

“Rich aromas of currants and plums with chocolate and walnut undertones. Full-bodied and chewy with layers of tannins. It’s a big wine and very juicy with a polished and long finish. Needs five to six years to soften. Best after 2027.” - 96 Points, James Suckling

“A dark, brooding red, yet also smooth and complex, revealing black currant, blackberry, plum, loam and sweet spice flavors. Beautifully balanced and fluid, with a long, detailed aftertaste that flexes the tannins. Impressive. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Drink now through 2040.” - 94 Point, Wine Spectator

“The weather during summer was regular and dry, without excessively high temperatures and only a thunderstorm by the end of August that brought 40mm of rain, which became fundamental for the final stage of grape maturation. Waiting for the perfect polyphenolic maturity of the reds led to harvesting abundant Merlot grapes endowed with remarkable fruit,’ commented Leonardo Raspini, managing director of the estate. Argentiera typically shines for its reddish fruit in this hilly southern part of Bolgheri, and here we have an intensity of red fruits, mostly cherry, which dominates the notes along with a floral touch. The style is juicy with refined, velvety tannins, zesty acidity, and a polished, elegant palate impression. The use of oak is balanced, with a soft toastiness and restrained tobacco aftertaste. Still tight at the moment, this will need bottle aging to soften it.” - 94 Points, Decanter

Producer: Tenuta Argentiera

Country: Italy

Region: Tuscany

Varietal: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc

Appellation: Bolgheri Superiore

Vintage: 2020

Size: 750ml