A Justerini & Brooks favourite for its character, drinkability and excellent value, Grattamacco is the second most historical and probably the most under-appreciated estate in Tuscany’s Bolgheri. Delivering brilliant quality at a third of the price of the famous Super Tuscans, its charms are hard to ignore. A bottle tailor-made for curious Bordeaux-drinkers and lovers of classical Italian wines alike.
Grattamacco was the second winery to be founded in Bolgheri in 1977 after Tenuta San Guido of Sassicaia fame. The 14 hectares of organically farmed vineyard are situated on top of a hill, facing the sea, between Castagneto Carducci and Bolgheri - 100m above sea level. This unusually high altitude, for Bolgheri at least, and its inland location means that this part of the region is windier and less humid. Ordinarily Sangiovese cannot grow in Bolgheri due to it being very sensitive to humid conditions, however, in Grattamacco’s micro-climate it thrives. This is therefore one of the rare wines from the Tuscan coast to have any Sangiovese in it, to the tune of 15%, adding verve to the 65% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Merlot.
Read More2016 rates as one of their finest ever vintages. A modern classic that goes shoulder to shoulder with anything they have hitherto produced. Head winemaker, Luca Marrone (who has also been overseeing a recent purple patch for famed Montalcino estate Poggio di Sotto) is on fire at the moment. The 2016 paints a warm, inviting but quite classical picture. A beautiful mixture of Mediterranean sun, fruit and herbs wrapped in a classically Cabernet structure. Add in the underlying freshness and sapidity that Sangiovese brings and you have a very compelling wine indeed.