Grattamacco - Bolgheri Superiore 2018

Founded in 1977, and acquired by the Tipa Bertarelli Family in 2002, Grattamacco was one of first the two wineries in Bolgheri.  A region typically known for Cabernet and Merlot, Grattamacco sets itself apart from surrounding wineries with its winemaking practices using 15% Sangiovese to impart quality and elegance in its wines.  Grattamacco was not only the first winery in Bolgheri to use Sangiovese because of its high altitude despite its proximity to the coast, but also the first to plant Vermentino.  Grattamacco wines are known for both their power, elegance and complexity that evolves with time. 

The 67 acres of vineyards are located on a rise between Castagneto Carducci and Bolgheri, with a panoramic view of the Tuscan coast. The Grattamacco vineyards are located at about 330 feet above sea level, in a wonderfully protected plot that spans over one of Bolgheri’s only two hills, and is surrounded by other internationally renowned Bolgheri properties.

Grattamacco’s Bolgheri Rosso Superiore is iconic in Bolgheri, Italy, and beyond. The flagship wine of the estate, this was the second important wine to come from the Bolgheri area following Sassicaia. Grattamacco was founded in 1977 and was the second winery of the Bolgheri appellation, following Sassicaia.The winery lies on a rise between Castagneto Carducci and Bolgheri, with a panoramic view of the Tuscan coast. The Grattamacco vineyards are located at about 330 ft. above sea level, in a wonderfully protected plot that spans over one of Bolgheri's only two hills, and is surrounded by other internationally renowned Bolgheri properties. 

The olfactory impact is of considerable aromatic intensity: it expands with notes of small, fully ripe red fruits, accompanied by clear balsamic and Mediterranean hints. In progression, typical mineral notes develop. The gustatory impact is austere, of remarkable freshness and of large volume. It develops in a balanced fusion between the broad minerality and the fine and enveloping tannins. Everything is found in the long final persistence that foreshadows a long life ahead.

"Coming on the heels of the scorching hot 2017, this vintage started off with lots of rain in April and May that required preventative measures against fungal disease. Splendid heat and sunshine marked the summer months, but the freshness you taste in this wine is a beautiful characteristic of this cooler growing season. The 2018 Bolgheri Superiore Grattamacco reveals a finely nuanced bouquet with dark fruit, tobacco, smoke and earthy garrigue or underbrush. The wine leans toward full-bodied, but it also feels quite elegant and crisp on the streamlined finish. Best after 2023." - 96 points, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

"The 2018 Grattamacco is the most elegant, refined and satisfying wine I have ever tasted from Grattamacco. There is a level of finesse here that is simply unreal. Bright and translucent, with tons of detail, the 2018 oozes with pedigree. Lavender, spice, mint, tobacco and dried flowers add an attractive upper register." - 96 points, Antonio Galloni Vinous

Producer: Grattamacco 

Country: Italy

Region: Tuscany

Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sangiovese

Appellation: Bolgheri

Vintage: 2018

Size: 750ml