History and territory
Bolgheri is one of the most famous Tuscan wines, not only in Italy but also abroad. This wine takes its name from one of the well-known and loved villages of Italy, honoured by Carducci in his verses. The production area of this wine corresponds to the borders of the municipality of Castagneto Carducci, in the province of Livorno, which is located in the Tuscan Maremma between the Colline Metallifere (Metal-bearing Hills) and the Tyrrhenian Sea. This area was once very wild, with woods and marshland. By the 12th century, an important Castle was built, belonging to the Conti Della Gherardesca, around which the village grew. Nowadays, it can be reached along a long road almost 5 kilometres long, called the Viale dei Cipressi (Boulevard of Cypresses), which became famous thanks to the poet Carducci.
Varieties and soil
Cultivation of the vines in this area apparently originates from the ancient Etruscans. However, actual development began under the Gherardesca family which started planting vineyards in the areas of San Guido and Belvedere. Today, the Bolgheri varieties grow on a wide range of soils, some originate from rivers, others from the sea, while others are even volcanic. This area has proven to be very well-suited to cultivating international varieties, thanks to the sunny climate and the proximity to the Tyrrhenian Sea. The most widely used varieties for reds and rosés are Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc, and also Syrah and Sangiovese in smaller quantities. With regard to white wines, on the other hand, the most widely grown varieties are Vermentino, together with Sauvignon Blanc.
Types of Bolgheri
Bolgheri Rosso is bright ruby red in colour with violet reflections. On the nose, it is intense, with aromas of strawberry, myrtle, sweet spices, while on the palate, it is soft and harmonious. This wine is made up of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc up to 100%, Syrah and Sangiovese no more than 50% and other complimentary varieties, such as Petit Verdot, less than 30%. Bolgheri Superiore, produced from the same varieties, must undergo two years of ageing, including one year in oak barrels. Bolgheri Sassicaia represents a true production monopoly of Tenuta San Guido, the first estate to bottle a Bordeaux blend in the Bolgheri area. Created as a table wine consumed only by the Incisa della Rocchetta family, today, it is one of the most prestigious reds of Italy and famous all over the world. Made up of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and for the past few years a small percentage of Sangiovese, it represents an unmissable wine to gain an insight into the wine-producing potential of the whole area. Although Bolgheri is known for its red wines, the older more renowned types of the area are white wines and rosés. The whites are normally made up of mainly Vermentino, vinified as a monovarietal, but also other grape varieties including Sauvignon Blanc and Viognier. The rosés are, however, produced with the same grapes used for the reds. Both the whites and rosés are pleasant wines, with varietal aromas and easy to drink.
Pairings
Bolgheri reds are rich-bodied, firmly structured and intense, and it is therefore recommended to pair them with flavoursome dishes. For pasta and rice dishes, try lasagne, truffle risottos, polenta with ragù, whereas for meat dishes, pair them with grills, roasts, game and venison. Bolgheri Sassicaia, being particularly powerful and elegant, is paired best with roasted red meats, sliced Chianina beef and oven-roasted lamb. The rosés are best enjoyed with soft cheeses or with vegetable-based pasta and rice dishes, and fish soups. With regard to the whites however, being more delicate and fresh, they can be paired with fish-based dishes and shellfish, but also with vegetables and white meats. For example, Vermentino Bolgheri is a very fresh and balanced wine and lends itself well as an aperitif. If, however, you want to drink it with food, we recommend pairing it with fried fish. In short, Bolgheri wines provide a multitude of options and without doubt will cater for all tastes. Now all you have to do is try them!