Grattamacco Bolgheri Superiore L'Alberello 2020
- v95
- ws95
- we94
Category | Red Wine |
Varietals | |
Brand | Grattamacco |
Origin | Italy, Tuscany, Bolgheri |
Alcohol/vol | 14.5% |
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Grattamacco was founded in 1977 and was the second winery of the Bolgheri appellation, following Sassicaia. Grattamacco has lead the region in environmentally responsible farming, and was the first to use an Alberello or head-pruned method in Bolgheri.
About the Vineyard
L'Alberello (head-pruned) is the way the vineyards are trained. It is a vineyard of 2 hectares trained in the traditional “settonce” formation, such that each vine is equidistant from the others surrounding it. This vineyard features mainly clay and is run according to the criteria of organic farming with a maximum production of 1 kg of grapes per vine. Harvesting and other works on the vines are done manually.
Wine Production
The three varieties are harvested together on the same day, creating a blend that spontaneously ferments in small oak truncated cone vats with manual punching down and long maceration with indigenous yeast. This wine is aged for 16 months in oak barriques prior to bottling.
Tasting Notes
Grattamacco Bolgheri Superiore L'Alberello shows a deep purple core with ruby reflections. The wine is generous and silky on the palate with rich aromas and flavors of wild blackberries and plums, black pepper, and balsamic. The structure is defined by dense, yet soft tannins and a mouthwatering acidity that is marked by a sense of saltiness. A long and harmonious finish presupposes a very long life of development.
Food Pairing
Goes well with game, e.g. local preparations of wild boar, roast, braised and stewed red meats, and medium aged cheese.
Vinous
- v95
Grattamacco's 2020 Bolgheri Superiore L'Alberello is impressive. Crushed red berry fruit, white pepper, mint, flowers, spice and blood orange all race across the palate, with notable freshness and vibrancy. This deceptively mid-weight Maremma red is beautifully finessed and nuanced from start to finish. I especially admire the energy here. Pretty floral and mineral notes brighten up the finish, with high-toned aromatics that linger.
Wine Spectator
- ws95
There's a yin and yang between the lush blackberry, black currant and cherry fruit and the tense, grainy tannins in this red, which starts out fluid, then tightens up as it builds to the long finish. Mineral and underbrush notes add depth. Just feels more youthful than its peers at this stage. Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2026 through 2045. 660 cases made, 100 cases imported.
Wine Enthusiast
- we94
A blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Cabernet Franc, the Grattamacco 2020 Bolgheri Superiore l'Alberello sees fruit from 15-year-old vines, and everything is harvested on the same day. The wine ages in barrique for 18 months. The bouquet evokes dry aromas of Sicilian oregano, grilled thyme and earthy licorice root. On the palate, you get good length and general complexity with rich tart fruit, cherry and blackberry that can still go the distance. The tannins are powdery and delicate. A candied note closes this very pretty wine.