“Argentiera” Bolgheri Superiore DOC 2023

Tenuta Argentiera | Tuscany
Argentiera S.r.L. Soc. Agr. | Via Aurelia 412/A | IT 57022 Donoratico

09752323 · 0,75 l · 118,67 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shippingavailable immediately

The name is a nod to the old silver mines of the province of Livorno. The land on the southern edge of Castagneto Carducci once belonged to the Serristori, a noble Florentine family; today, it is home to 85 hectares of vines spread across four zones, the first of which were planted by the estate in 2000. The cellar is modelled on 16th-century Tuscan fortresses; from its terrace, the view stretches as far as the islands of the Tuscan Archipelago. The vineyards open out towards the sea like a shell, close to the water yet situated on some of the highest plots in the appellation. For this wine, they extend up to around 200 metres, on marl and claystone with interlayers of sandstone and siliceous rock; the rows face from north through west to south, with 7,500 vines and around 6,000 kilograms of grapes per hectare. The sea breeze blows all year round, and as the grapes ripen, the nights cool noticeably.

The harvest begins in early September, by hand, starting with the younger vines. The Cabernets from the highest vineyards follow in late September and early October. The wine is made up of 48% Merlot, 42% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Cabernet Franc. Fermentation and maceration last 25 days at 28 to 30 degrees; the wine is then aged for 14 to 16 months in oak, followed by a further year in the bottle.

Deep red with a dark core. On the nose, initially spicy undergrowth, followed by dark berries, cherry and plum, along with tobacco, a hint of cocoa and warm spices. On the palate, it is round and polished, supported by fine-grained, tightly woven tannins; the structure is firm and deep, with clearly defined fruit. The finish is taut, with forward momentum and lingering spice. Silber is in the estate's name; the wine bears its hallmark. SUPERIORE.DE

"An original fragrance evoking ripe cherries, rose petals, leather and cedarwood; a refined evolution, with an invigorating acidity, followed by a multi-faceted final ranging from ripe stone fruit, through notes of macchia and pepper, to chocolate and coffee." Vinum

"A brilliant ruby red with a sparkling core. On the nose, notes of dried tomato, juicy cherry and subtle hints of iron, with delicate stony notes, precious wood and wax on the finish. On the palate, it is round and smooth, with wonderful juiciness and firm, full-bodied tannins; it builds in layers, with excellent length." Falstaff

"Notes of smoke and spice counterbalance the wine's natural abundance, remaining well integrated within the overall profile. Shaped by careful selection in a challenging growing season, the 2023 demonstrates how attentive viticulture delivered results that exceeded expectations in Bolgheri." Wine Advocate

"An intense and expressive wine that's slightly different in style, with aromas of bright blueberries, blackberries, balsamic and camphor. Full-bodied, fresh and crisp, with firm, velvety tannins, very crunchy and chewy depth and a thick yet ripe texture." James Suckling