Tenuta Argentiera - Bolgheri Rosso Villa Donoratico 2022

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.

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 20-25 days at a controlled temperature never exceeding 28 C. The wine is then transferred to 225-liter French oak barrels to complete malolactic fermentation. Aging takes place over 12 months in barrel, followed by another 10 months in bottle before being released to the market.

"I like the currant and tar aromas with some bayleaf that follow through to a medium body, with creamy and polished tannins that give this depth and intensity. Very polished palate. Drink or hold." - 94 Points, James Suckling

"Aromas of pepper, wet slate tart blackberries and wild fennel swirl together to create a refreshing, invigorating nose. The palate layers more blackberries over black licorice and dark chocolate, before a finish of bitter citrus and tea leaf tang. Very lively acid bounces around taut tannins." - 94 Points, Wine Enthusiast

Producer: Tenuta Argentiera

Country: Italy

Region: Tuscany

Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot

Appellation: Bolgheri

Vintage: 2022

Size: 750ml