Podere Grattamacco, L'Alberello Bolgheri Superiore, Tuscany, Italy, 2021

Overview The Wine
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. 

Natural and Organic.

Grape / Blend 
70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Cabernet Franc

Origin
Tuscany, Italy 

Winemaker's Tasting Notes
Grattamacco Bolgheri Superiore L'Alberello shows a deep purple core with ruby reflections. The wine is generous and silky on the palate with rich aromas and flavors of wild blackberries and plums, black pepper, and balsamic. The structure is defined by dense, yet soft tannins and a mouthwatering acidity that is marked by a sense of saltiness. A long and harmonious finish presupposes a very long life of development.

Goes well with game, e.g. local preparations of wild boar, roast, braised and stewed red meats, and medium aged cheese.

97 Points - James Suckling
A precise and driven young red with blackcurrant, blackberry, sandalwood and lavender aromas that follow through to an extremely pure and polished palate that is rather endless on the finish. A blend of 70% cabernet sauvignon and 30% cabernet franc that is co-fermented. Lot of energy here. Give this four or five years to come around.

95 Points - Decanter
Some maturity in the colour. Slightly uplifted floral nose, with notes of violets next to ripe dark fruit and Mediterranean scrub. Solid palate with weight and breadth in the weave, very natural grape tannins and a long, dry, savoury finish. Classic.

92 Points - Wine Spectator
This red shows concentration but is elegant overall, with black currant, black cherry, cedar, herb and iron flavors focused by vibrant acidity. Assertive, dusty tannins line the long finish. Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Drink now through 2033.