“Grattamacco” Rosso Bolgheri Superiore DOC 2023 (BIO) · 6 bottles in OWC

Grattamacco | Tuscany
Collemassari S.p.A. s.a. | Via Di Porta Pinciana 6 | IT 00187 Roma

09772423 · 4,5 l · 134,22 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shipping2 units available

In 1994, an unusually large number of Bolgheri figures gathered at once beneath the holm oak at Grattamacco: among them were Michele Satta, Piero and Lodovico Antinori, as well as the host, Piermario Meletti Cavallari. A photograph captures the gathering. Meletti Cavallari, a wine connoisseur and close friend of Veronelli, had taken over the estate in 1977. He had the orchards cleared and planted vines in white, barren soil that was difficult to work: Vermentino, a rarity in the area at the time, along with Sangiovese and Bordeaux varieties. The first vintage was released in 1982; in 1994, shortly after the rules for the appellation were introduced, Grattamacco became the first estate to bottle a Bolgheri Rosso. It has been owned by Claudio Tipa since 2002 and is now part of the ColleMassari group.

The coast is flat and humid, but up here the altitude and more than 1,600 hectares of surrounding woodland bring a refreshing coolness. Sea breezes sweep across the vines, whilst the hills of the hinterland encircle them as if in an amphitheatre. The vines for this wine grow at altitudes of between 100 and 200 metres on white clay, interspersed with flysch and sandstone. According to the estate, the clay originates from a salt lake that dried up more than five million years ago. Cabernet Sauvignon accounts for 65 per cent, Merlot 20% and Sangiovese 15 per cent; on average, the vines are 25 years old. The grapes are harvested by hand, followed by careful selection; in 2023, the harvest ended on 5 October. Fermentation takes place in open oak vats; the cap of pomace is gently pushed down by hand several times, and the must remains in contact with the skins for a long time. It is then aged for 18 months in barriques and was bottled in July 2025.

Brilliant ruby red. The nose is initially reserved, yet clearly defined: smoke and a stony note, with a sense of depth beneath. On the palate, it is dense in extract and powerfully structured, underpinned by a fresh, mineral tension that keeps the wine in balance and propels it forward. It is clearly intended for long-term ageing; the wine leaves no doubt about that. This is what Bolgheri tastes like when it comes from the hills rather than the coast. SUPERIORE.DE

"A brilliant ruby red with a sparkling core. On the nose, it offers aromas of juicy cherries and ripe cranberries, with delicate hints of mint, cedarwood and incense, and subtle balsamic notes in the finish. Juicy on the palate, with clear fruit, underpinned by subtle green herbaceous notes." Falstaff

"A touch of Sangiovese adds that special something to this classic: a complex bouquet of forest fruits, roses and balsamic notes; finely chiselled tannins, underpinned by crisp acidity, and a final full of juiciness, body and length." Vinum

"Aromas of cherry, pomegranate, flowers and earth characterise this elegant, straightforward red wine. It is both delicate and structured, with a foundation of dense, sinewy tannins and lively acidity that lend it clarity and support its long-lasting finish. An unmistakable texture and an Old World character." Wine Spectator

"The Grattamacco 2023 is pure and consummate sensuality. harvestwill find a restrained Grattamacco, a wine that possesses more finesse than power. Notes of dark red fruit, tobacco, incense, spices and mocha caress the palate. A long, beautifully lingering finish rounds the whole experience off in style. The 2023 needs just a few years in the bottle, although it is already quite delicious in its early stages." Vinous

"The 2023 Bolgheri Superiore Grattamacco has a full-bodied, generous profile characterised by dark fruit, spices, toasted herbs and pencil shavings. The grapes come from 15 hectares of vineyards with soils comprising limestone, flysch, marl, quartz and sandstone – elements that lend the wine vibrancy and a certain aromatic sharpness. Shaped by a growing season in which balance took precedence over sheer power, this wine displays youthful tannins." Wine Advocate

"Acrobatic and dynamic on the nose, it initially appears floral and delicate with rose petals and violets, then fresh and herbaceous with mint and fennel, before notes of dark chocolate come to the fore. On the palate, it is rich with dark fruits, warm citrus notes, herbs and earthy undertones. A powerful wine in many respects, and yet somehow you still find yourself wanting another sip." Wine Enthusiast

"A restrained, mineral and smoky red wine with aromas of embers, bark, slate, kiwi skin, fresh blackberries and cedar wood. More dynamic than powerful. Full-bodied with firm, velvety tannins and excellent finesse. It is taut and crisp, yet long-lasting and elegant." James Suckling