The cultivation of the vine in the territory of DOC Bolgheri in Castagneto Carducci has ancient origins, we find evidence from the Etruscans and then the Romans. We find more recent writings to the medieval period and the presence of numerous monasteries and ecclesiastical domains that cultivated this wine. Starting from 1790 were established new vineyards, in particular in the vicinity of Bolgheri, therefore increasing the enological production of the wines of the area. In 1816 were established the first experimental vineyards at Capanne di Castiglioncello, where the first Sassicaia vineyard was established, and in the Castelluccio estates. The viticultural choices were made not only according to the terroir but above all according to the French wine culture with particular attention to the vinification methods and the grape varieties used in France: as a confirmation of this, the choices made by Count Guido Alberto and Mazzanti were focused on French grape varieties including Gamay, Cabernet and Syrah. The official consecration of Sassicaia wine took place in 1978 when the magazine Decanter published a comparative tasting of cabernet in the world and Sassicaia was placed in the first place. Later on, the 1985 vintage of Sassicaia competes, in a tasting of Grand Jury Européen, with the Grands Crus of Bordeaux and gets the highest recognition.
The territory within which the production of DOC Bolgheri wines is allowed coincides with the administrative borders of the municipality of Castagneto Carducci, in the province of Livorno.
There are two types: Bolgheri Rosso DOC and Bolgheri Superiore DOC. At the same time is also defined as the then sub-zone Bolgheri Sassicaia DOC.
Wines belonging to Bolgheri DOC appellation can be produced with different grape varieties, in particular Cabernet Sauvignon up to 100%, Merlot up to 100%, Cabernet Franc up to 100%, Sangiovese up to 50% and Syrah up to 50%.
Tasting Notes
On the palate it is striking the roundness and softness, the sweetness of the fruit in the center of the mouth always well enlivened by the freshness of the acid component, and the tannic texture thick and silky, with a final of great length. Often is also present a sapid note which cannot bring the mind to the presence of the sea. These wines are very pleasing and drinkable, smooth, elegant and mature, but less demanding, also because of the aging in wood, usually shorter or in some cases absent. It is also important to notice that a good part of the Bolgheri vineyard is entering in full productive maturity right now, having an average age of about 15 years. This means that the qualitative characteristics of the wines produced will not be able to improve anymore. It is for this reason that the potential of Bolgheri wines is continuously growing.
Food Pairing
Red wines having the Bolgheri DOC appellation are characterized by an extraordinary smoothness and roundness which make them perfect in the matching with foods having an intense taste, such as a mixed grill of red meat or game. They are also ideal with hors d'oeuvres based on tasty cold cuts and seasoned cheese.
