2021 Grattamacco, Bolgheri Superiore, Tuscany, Italy

The usual blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 15% Sangiovese. The current vintage was initially challenging. After a winter with normal rainfall, budbreak arrived rather early; the first part of spring brought no rain. The night of 8 April experienced an abrupt drop in temperatures and a freeze on the Bolgheri plain, but with minimal damage to the Grattamacco vineyards. Rains from mid April through mid May established continuously wet conditions during that period, but summer was dry and fairly hot. To keep the clusters shaded during the hot days, leaf-pulling was not performed, and during July emergency irrigation was applied in all the Grattamacco vineyards, with the exception of Casa Vecchia. Harvest started early, on 25 August. Two harvesting passes were often required in order to pick grapes at peak ripeness. Fine weather in the first half of September and rains on the 19th brought the remaining grapes to a finely balanced ripeness. Harvest concluded on 28 September. Pressing-off of the new wine proceeded rapidly, following maceration on the skins lasting two weeks at most. The exceptions were the last-harvested lots of Cabernet Sauvignon, which macerated longer, with the additional application of two Piemontesinas, the last pressed on 24 November. Crop levels for the year were average. Aged 18 months in small oak barrels. Bottled in August 2023.

Mid to dark crimson. Very complete and with a little less obvious tannin than the 2016. Already very approachable and well balanced with a chalky texture on the end. Really charming with a little light inkiness. Long, and fresher than 2016.

Drink 2024 - 2040