Bolgheri is a hamlet of Castagneto Carducci, on the Livorno coast, made famous by the avenue of cypresses celebrated by the poet Giosuè Carducci. Until the seventies it was a land of simple wines; the bet that a few families placed on Bordeaux varieties, in a mild climate cooled by sea breezes, changed the area's history. The DOC was created in 1984 for whites and rosés and extended to reds in 1994; Sassicaia, the wine that had led the way, has had its own DOC since 2013.
The Rosso and Superiore are based on Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc, with Syrah and Sangiovese as complements. The Superiore ages for at least two years, one of them in wood. The whites come from Vermentino, Sauvignon and Viognier, as varietals with at least 85% or as blends; the Rosato uses the grapes of the Rosso. Minimum alcohol starts at 10.5 degrees.
The reds are deep in colour, with aromas of black fruit, Mediterranean herbs and balsamic notes, ripe tannins and a full body; the whites are savoury and fresh. They go with grilled red meat, wild boar, cacciucco fish stew and the cooking of the Maremma.
