Argentiera stands on the ancient Donoratico estate in Bolgheri (the winery is in Castagneto Carducci): it is the closest to the sea and the highest in elevation of the appellation. Of about 500 hectares, 75 are planted to vine, with five main vineyards: Argentiera, Ginestre, Ventaglio, Porcarecce and Ceccosodo, which gives the wine its name. It is now owned by the Fratini brothers.
Cabernet Sauvignon 45%, Merlot 30%, Cabernet Franc 15% and Petit Verdot 10%, from vineyards between 30 and 80 metres on continental sands and flysch, with north/south exposure, 6,000 vines per hectare and a yield of 70 quintals per hectare. Hand-harvested, fermented and macerated for 25 days at 28-30 °C in conical stainless steel tanks, with malolactic fermentation in steel, then 12 months in 500-litre Austrian and French oak tonneaux and 6 months in bottle.
2024 was a dynamic vintage: a mild, rainy winter, a cooler and wetter spring, a long dry spell from late June and rain in early September that rebalanced the vines. Harvest began on 5 September and ended in the first days of October. In the glass it is a Bordeaux-style red: ripe black fruit, spicy and balsamic notes, good body and firm tannins. Serve at 18-20 °C with grilled red meat, roasts, game and aged cheeses.
At a glance: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot · 14% ABV · 0.75 l · Argentiera, Castagneto Carducci