Podere Grattamacco Bolgheri Superiore 2017

Winemaker Notes
A wine produced from vineyards at 100 and 200 m. asl, where the soil is characterized by calcareous sandstone, marl and calcareous flysch mixed to clay. The climate is temperate Mediterranean with frequent sea breezes. A viticulture based on methods and principles totally respectful to the environment allows a spontaneous productive balance of about 7 tons of grapes per hectare, all hand harvested and carefully selected grapes in the vineyards with an average age of 24 years.

Professional Ratings

Decanter 96 Points
The contribution of Sangiovese (15%) in the blend of Grattamacco makes it a distinctive Bolgheri Superiore. If on the nose Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot are prevailing with cassis fruit, cedar and kiwi, full of balsamic depth, the indigenous grape pushes the fragrance of the wine with chewy wild fruit flavours. An exceptional expression in the hot vintage. Complex and layered, without any foursquare character, this organic wine is waiting for extra complexity over its liquorice finish.

Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate 95 Points
Congratulations to Grattamacco on the 35th anniversary of this iconic wine. The 2017 Bolgheri Superiore Grattamacco is an organic blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot and 15% Sangiovese fermented in open-top oak vats with ambient yeasts and aged in oak for 18 months. The fruit represents a special selection from over 25 hectares of vines planted in a mix of soils with clay, sandstone, limestone marl and flysch. In fact, the territorial impact on the wine’s bouquet is strong with dusty or salty notes that frame dark fruit, dried cherry and toasted spice. This wine shows polished elegance, and that’s something that was not easy to achieve in this hot vintage.

James Suckling 94 Points
A beautiful red with berry, spice, light chocolate and clove. Medium-to full-bodied with round tannins and a flavorful finish. Such finesse and beauty for this hot vintage. Drinkable now, but better after 2022.

Producer
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.