Wines Tuscany Bolgheri Superiore - Grattamacco - 2017

Bolgheri Superiore 2017 is a wine that encapsulates the elegance and depth characteristic of Tuscany’s coastal reds. This particular bottling, labelled as “Cuvée Grattamacco”, is noted for its complexity and structure; while the user input suggests Sangiovese may dominate the blend, Bolgheri Superiore is more commonly associated with Bordeaux varieties—often Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and sometimes a portion of Sangiovese. Regardless of the precise cépage, the style tends toward intense dark fruit, refined tannins, vibrant acidity, and a persistent, polished finish. The 2017 vintage, marked by a warm, dry growing season, gives the wine additional ripeness and concentration, with notes likely ranging from blackcurrant and plum to subtle herbs, cedar and a touch of sweet spice from careful oak maturation.

Toscana, and more specifically Bolgheri, sits along the Tyrrhenian coast—its gentle hills, vineyards, and Mediterranean climate are cooled by sea breezes and warmed by ample sunshine. The sandy, clay-limestone soils are superb for producing structured, ageworthy reds. Historically, Bolgheri shot to fame in the late 20th century as the birthplace of “Super Tuscans”—wines that broke with traditional Tuscan rules to create world-class blends rivaling Bordeaux in quality. Today, Bolgheri Superiore is perhaps the pinnacle of this innovation, representing both the uniqueness of the territory and the international acclaim of the region.

For food pairings, Bolgheri Superiore’s full body and refined tannins make it an exceptional match for robust dishes. Classic Tuscan fare such as bistecca alla fiorentina (Florentine T-bone steak), wild boar ragù, or herb-crusted lamb align beautifully with the wine’s richness and structure. Aged Pecorino or mature Parmigiano-Reggiano cheeses also suit its savoury depth. Vegetarians might enjoy the wine alongside grilled aubergine, mushroom risotto, or lentil stew with rosemary and sage.

For best enjoyment, decant the wine at least one hour before serving to allow it to express its full aromatic range. Serve at 16-18°C, ideally in large Bordeaux glasses, to allow all the nuances of this Bolgheri Superiore to emerge, whether enjoyed now or cellared for a further decade.