TENUTA ARGENTIERA
TUSCANY, ITALY 2019
Why Buy: From the Super Tuscan cult favorite Tenuta Argentiera, a trio of jewels, including a stunning pair of 97-pointers that pay honor to the justly-revered Maremma. And because this estate puts such a premium on maturation before release, these are all ready to drink right now.
What They're Saying: "What a beauty," Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate gushed over the Bolgheri Superiore, awarding 97 points and hailing its "wide shoulders, soft plushness, and incredible fruit." The publication was just as smitten with the 97-point Ventaglio – "simply gorgeous." As for the Bolgheri Rosso Villa Donoratico, The Wine Advocate’s review reads better than its 93 points: "could almost be a Bolgheri Superiore, thanks to the depth, richness and importance of its flavor profile."
The Story: Situated on the coast of Tuscany about 60 miles southwest of Florence, Argentiera is the closest Bolgheri winery to the sea, as well as the one with the highest altitude. These two traits are essential to the growing of world-class grapes, and this swath of land — known as the Maremma — lays claim to some of the best vineyard terroir in all of Italy. But Argentiera is further blessed, with a rich and varied soil, by turns sandy, calcareous and stony, that helps to develop complexity in its Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Syrah. And with a winemaker, Nicolò Carrara, who is as demanding and as exacting as they come, both in the field and in the cellar.
The Specs: A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc, all handpicked and vinified separately, the Bolgheri Superiore was aged 18 months in barrels, then another 12 in bottle. The Ventaglio is 100% Cabernet Franc, hand-harvested from the most privileged sections of the famed Ventaglio vineyard (120m above sea level), then aged in oak and then in bottle. The Villa Donoratico, made up of hand-picked and separately-vinified Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot, aged for 12 months in barrel and another 10 months in bottle.
Our Tasting Notes: The Bolgheri Superiore and the Ventaglio are veritable trophies for the discerning collector: wines of deep seriousness that reward slow, sensual drinking, revealing new dimensions with every sip. The Donoratico surprised and impressed us with its size, length, and, above all, its soft texture.
ABV: All three wines are 14.5%.
Fun Fact: Argentiera is named for the silver (“argento”) mines that once dotted the hills of the Maremma.
What to Pair Them With: Save the Bolgheri Superiore and Ventaglio for the kind of meals that mark a special occasion (a Christmas Eve dinner with standing rib roast, say) or drink them alone. The Villa Donoratico is a versatile performer that will enhance nearly any rich meat (but particularly leg of lamb and pork and veal roasts), as well as any rich stew or braise.
Our Guarantee: We always buy and source direct, so rest assured: your wines will arrive in your hands with pristine provenance. Order yours today!
*Offer NOT valid in-store. This offer is made pre-arrival, with wines estimated to be delivered to your preferred store in Fall 2023. With the supply chain issues that we are seeing globally, there may be some unforeseen delays which could affect the ETA. 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. Offer not valid in KY, MI, NY, or TN. This offer is for ONE WEEK, or until sold out, and will expire on Monday, July 17th, 2023.
*Due to limited storage space for pre-ordered product, we can only hold orders for 30 days from the first notification that your order is ready for pickup. If you are unable to pick up your order within 30 days, please contact Concierge Sales at (855) 841-2752 or conciergesales@totalwine.com to make an arrangement. A store associate may reach out periodically to notify you of your order. Unfortunately, if no arrangements have been made, after 30 days, the order will need to be cancelled and we will provide a full refund. No orders will be cancelled without multiple communication attempts.
