GRATTAMACCO BOLGHERI SUPERIORE
TUSCANY, ITALY 2021
WHY BUY:
Check it: while the great Super Tuscans of Sassicaia, Ornellaia, and Solaia are fetching $250-$350 a bottle, here's a gorgeous 98-pointer from that same hallowed Bolgheri terrain coming within a whisper of perfection at $119 a bottle.
WHAT THEY'RE SAYING:
Jebdunnuck.com extolled it in their 98-point review, calling it "fantastically detailed ... full-bodied [with] refreshing acidity, defined, ripe tannins, and a good finish. It has a lot of potential and should improve and stand the test of time."
OUR TASTING NOTES:
The nose is wonderfully evocative and developed, but it’s on palate that this one captured us. Substantial enough to command attention but never veering into heaviness, it’s a wine of uncommon power and poise. The inclusion of 15% Sangiovese (a brilliant deviation from Bolgheri's Cabernet-dominated formula) introduces a vibrant acidity that lifts the concentrated fruit and provides a distinctly Tuscan signature. What sets it apart from its more famous neighbors is something we don’t find too often in Bolgheri or anywhere else, for that matter: an eloquent restraint. And we can’t move on without talking about the mineral-tinged finish, which keeps drawing you back for another sip.
THE PROCESS:
In the vineyard, they rely on cordon spur pruning to limit yields and allow for greater concentration in the fruit). In the cellar, selective fermentation in open-top oak vats (to coax depth without aggressive tannins) reigns, along with a more considered approach to aging: Grattamacco gives this one just 18 months in French barriques, to preserve freshness and allow the wine's inherent character to come through.
TECHNICAL DETAILS:
Bolgheri Superiore DOC crafted from 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, and 15% Sangiovese. Organically farmed (certified since 2016) on hillside vineyards with complex soils of clay, limestone, and marl. Hand-harvested and fermented in open-top oak vats before aging 18 months in French oak barriques (30% new). The 2021 vintage earned 98 points from Jeb Dunnuck, who praised its "fantastically detailed" character and "refreshing acidity, defined, ripe tannins, and a good finish," noting that it "has a lot of potential and should improve and stand the test of time."
THE STORY:
Though Grattamacco doesn't enjoy the household recognition of some neighbors, insiders understand its significance in the region's evolution. Established in 1977 by Piermario Meletti Cavallari (it launched its inaugural vintage just a decade after Sassicaia redefined what was possible in this coastal Tuscan terroir), it was acquired by Claudio Tipa's ColleMassari Group in 2002. It has since undergone thoughtful modernization while preserving its soul. What sets Grattamacco apart is its unique position on Bolgheri's hills, as opposed to the flatter terrain where many prestigious estates reside. This elevation, combined with diverse soils and proximity to the Mediterranean, creates a distinctive microclimate, which makes for a complex and wonderful terroir. And we cannot neglect to mention that Grattamacco's vines are managed and vinified by the same renowned team that crafts Poggio di Sotto's legendary Brunellos, and are built with exacting, throwback care: selective fermentation in open-top vats, a judicious use of oak, and their signature expertise in blending.
FUN FACT:
While most Bolgheri producers eliminated Sangiovese from their flagship blends decades ago in favor of Bordeaux varieties, Grattamacco stubbornly maintains its 15% Sangiovese inclusion — a nod to Tuscan tradition, and one that gives their wines a distinctive acid backbone that you won’t find in their Cabernet-dominated neighbors.
OUR GUARANTEE:
As always, we only source directly from the producer to ensure perfect provenance. Secure your bottles today!
*Offer NOT valid in-store. This offer is made pre-arrival, with wines estimated to be delivered to your preferred store in Fall 2025. All sale prices are the lowest available at Total Wine & More and ONLY valid through Concierge Sales. No further discounts or coupons may be applied. The price reflected on your order form is subject to change after the order is placed in the event of a change in tariffs or taxes that are imposed by the U.S. government, or in the case of currency fluctuations of 10% or greater. Offer not valid in KS, MI, NE, NY, OK & TN. This offer is valid for TWO WEEKS, or until sold out, and will expire on Sunday, June 1st, 2025.