L'Alberello 2018 Bolgheri Superiore DOC - Podere Grattamacco

L'Alberello 2018 – Podere Grattamacco

L'Alberello is the single-vineyard wine of Podere Grattamacco, the historic Bolgheri estate founded in 1977 and part of the Tipa family's ColleMassari group since 2002. The name tells its story: it comes from a single high-density vineyard trained as bush vines (alberello), a rare choice for Bordeaux varieties on the Tuscan coast.

The vineyard sits on a hilltop between Castagneto Carducci and Bolgheri, at around 100 metres, on limestone-rich clay loam, and is farmed organically. Fermentation takes place with native yeasts in wooden vats; the wine then ages for 18 months in barriques.

2018, a cooler vintage than the previous ones in Bolgheri, produced an elegant, taut Alberello: blackcurrant, blackberry, Mediterranean herbs, mint, spice and liquorice, with dense, fine tannins. Drink now with a good roast or keep in the cellar for years. A Bolgheri Superiore of great personality, one of the most original in the appellation.

At a glance: Cabernet Sauvignon 70%, Cabernet Franc 25%, Petit Verdot 5% · 14.5% ABV · 0.75 l · Colle Massari, Bolgheri