In honor of Bolgheri’s first quarter-century, Decanter’s Richard Buadains reflects on the powerful Tuscan crown jewel. Although the region stretches a mere 13km, the small DOC is home to extremely deep sand-clay soils that are home to many famous estates. After reflecting on the past 25 years, Buadains concludes that “Bolgheri is on a roll […] Half of Bolgheri’s vineyards were planted between 2000 and 2009, which means that they are now approaching maturity.”
The recent 2016 vintage received high praise, as a “thrilling vintage to taste.” The feature included the top Bolgheri Superiore wines from the vintage, including the 2016 Ornellaia dell’Ornellaia (97 Points) and the 2016 Le Macchiole Paleo Rosso (96 Points).
To see learn more about Bolgheri and view the full reviews, read the full feature HERE.
Bolgheri-at-25Related Wines
Ornellaia
Ornellaia 2016
Bolgheri DOC Superiore
Ornellaia is the estate's "Grand Vin," with exceptional balance, power, elegance, and great aging potential. It faithfully reflects, in every vintage, its nature, site, and distinctive Mediterranean personality.
Le Macchiole
Le Macchiole Paleo Rosso 2016
Toscana IGT
Paleo Rosso has been called Italy's landmark expression of Cabernet Franc. It is named for a type of local wild grass, which once covered the land where its vines are now planted. Originally a blend of several different varieties, the wine has been made from 100% Cabernet Franc since 2001, and was the first mono varietal Cabernet Franc to be produced in Bolgheri. The grapes come from several vineyards on the estate, including Vignone, Madonnina, Puntone and Casa Nuova. Each vineyard is picked separately, and fruit from the same vineyard is often picked more than once at different stages of maturity, resulting in about 20 different pickings.
Related Producers
Ornellaia
Bolgheri, Italy
Ornellaia has established itself as one of the most iconic producers in Italy (and beyond). The estate is dedicated to producing charming and opulent wines, full of Mediterranean character and finesse, reflecting the estate's unique terroir in Bolgheri on the Tuscan coast.
Le Macchiole
Bolgheri, Italy
Le Macchiole can best be defined as the “Boutique Bolgheri.” The winery is known for its spectacular single-varietal wines, and their signature grape varieties are Syrah, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc and work is always conducted with the priority being "the expression of the land." The winery continues to evolve in both the vineyards and in the cellar to allow the soil characteristics from this estate property to be the defining identity in the wines.
