The Wine Route of the Etruscan Coast crosses the heart of Tuscany, from Maremma to Chianti. Among the most beautiful places on the Tuscan coast is Bolgheri, a renowned destination for its DOC red wines.
3 wineries not to be missed in Bolgheri
The Bolgheri DOC designation was officially granted in 1994, acknowledging the quality and prestige of the red wines produced in the Castagneto Carducci region. The production of Bolgheri DOC red wine involves the use of various red grape varieties, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Syrah, and Sangiovese. Explore the stories behind these wineries and find special offers on Ethyly.
Ornellaia
Winemaking Excellence in Bolgheri
A viticultural estate spanning a hundred hectares of land and sea. Founded in 1981 by Marquis Lodovico Antinori, the property is now owned by the Frescobaldi family, who continue to uphold the legacy of this unique place.
Ornellaia’s soils have marine, alluvial, and volcanic origins, creating a perfect environment for cultivating exceptional grape varieties. The vineyards are divided into small plots: here, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot are the main grape varieties, followed by Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. The vineyards are predominantly southwest-facing, capturing the last rays before sunset.
But Ornellaia is much more than a winery. The Vendemmia d’Artista project, for example, involves the production of limited editions of large-format bottles (100 Double Magnum, 10 Imperial, and 1 Salmanazar), numbered and personally signed by an artist. Additionally, since 2012, each case of Ornellaia includes a bottle with a label created by an artist. These bottles are highly sought after by collectors worldwide, and some are auctioned during an annual fundraising event to support the arts.
With the first harvest in 1985, Ornellaia created an icon among Supertuscans: Ornellaia, which was released three years later, in 1988. World-renowned winemaker Michel Rolland has been involved in the cellar’s technical aspects since its inauguration. In the 1990s, the other two labels, “Le Volte” and “Le Serre Nuove,” were created.
In the 2000s, Robert Mondavi, the great Californian producer, acquired the estate, later selling 50% to Marchesi Frescobaldi, who purchased the remaining 50% only three years later. The late 2000s also saw the birth of the “Poggio alle Gazze” label, followed by the highly selected late-harvest wine “Ornus,” made from pure Petit Manseng grapes.
Tenuta Argentiera
High Vineyards on the Bolgheri Sea
The Argentiera Estate, situated in the beautiful Donoratico area, is a true jewel of the Bolgheri DOC. With its 500 hectares, of which 75 are dedicated to vineyards, this estate stands as the closest to the sea and the highest in the entire region, at 200 meters above sea level. The name itself evokes the ancient silver mines in this region, adding to the perception that the vineyards are even more precious.
The winemaking, collaboratively led by Marchese Piero Antinori, agronomist Federico Zileri Dal Verme, and winemaker Stephane Derencourt, has successfully brought out the potential of the 1999 lands, transforming the Argentiera Estate into one of the most interesting in the region. In 2016, ownership transitioned to the Viennese entrepreneur Stanislaus Turnauner.
The cellar is impressive, on a hill inspired by grand fortresses. Designed by Florentine studio Bernardo Tori, it takes cues from Etruscan era defenses. The structure, with slanted walls, helps with natural temperature control, and it looks like a real “fortress”. Inside, 1200 French oak barrels are kept.
Yet, it’s not only the architecture; the cellar also 0ffers an extensive selection of wines, including Poggio ai Ginepri – white IGT Tuscany Vermentino, Villa Donoratico – DOC Bolgheri red, Argentiera – a Bolgheri Superiore produced with grapes from the highest vineyards, Giorgio Bartholomaus 100% Merlot, Opheliah Maria 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, Lavinia Maria 100% Cabernet Franc, and Ventaglio 100% Cabernet Franc.
A visit to the cellar, available by reservation, promises an unforgettable experience. It begins with a tour of the vineyards up to the panoramic point on the hill, followed by exploration of the cellar, barrel room, and a guided wine tasting paired with a platter of local cured meats and cheeses.
Le Macchiole
Art, Wine, and Sustainability in Bolgheri
Founded in the 1980s with the purchase of 4 hectares of land, Le Macchiole winery in Bolgheri has a unique story. Established in 1983 by Eugenio Campolmi, a founding member of the Bolgheri DOC, it is now led by his wife Cinzia Merli and their two children after his untimely passing. Notably, it’s one of the few wineries run by locals, people born and raised in this land.
The winery’s strong connection to art is showcased by a mural on the north wall, created by Ozmo, a renowned street artist. This mural narrates the territory’s story through twenty-nine symbols depicted in grayscale. Le Macchiole has also contributed to the community by donating five corten frames to Castagneto Carducci, strategically placed to offer breathtaking views. These frames were funded by the artistic project Messorio 04, where 48 Mathuasalem bottles from the 2004 vintage were sold, featuring a label inspired by Stefano Tonelli‘s artwork.
In 1989, the winery introduced Paleo Rosso, its firstborn wine, originally a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese, later transitioning to pure Cabernet Franc from 2001. Taking a bold step, the winery decided to focus on single-varietal wines to express the full potential of Bolgheri’s terroir. In 1994, two exceptional single-varietal wines emerged: Messorio (100% Merlot) and Scrio (100% Syrah). Le Macchiole, the only Bolgheri DOC red wine from the winery, pays homage to its original Bordeaux inspiration.
The winery’s commitment to sustainability extends to the vineyard, where they follow biodynamic and organic agricultural principles such as using recycled cardboard boxes instead of traditional wooden crates for bottle packaging.
Bolgheri: three unmissable wineries!
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