This is at a different level, with blackcurrants, blueberries and Mediterranean herbs, such as rosemary and sage. Also tobacco and coffee bean. Medium-bodied with fine tannins and a persistent finish. Sophisticated and thought-provoking. A new quality level with this wine. A blend of cabernet sauvignon, merlot and sangiovese

As in 2009 and 2016, Grattamacco was made using the ‘Piemontese method’ in 2021, according to chief winemaker, Luca Marrone. This entails topping up the tanks during an extended post-fermentation maceration with wine from another vinification, such as a different plot or even a different grape variety. ‘It's risky, you can have spoilage,’ he admits. But the benefit is that there is more perceived roundness and body to the wine. The result in 2021 is superb, with bramble fruit fragrance and a dense, spicy palate of black and blue berries, silky tannins and sous bois complexity. The wonderful juicy softness of the fruit is energised by minty-fresh acidity, a spicy kick and a sapid, almost ferrous finish..."

The superb Grattamacco 2021 Bolgheri Superiore Grattamacco (a certified organic wine) is balanced and intense, yet it remains faithful to a medium-plus texture that never feels weighed down. That's one of the best qualities of this classical vintage: you get the power of the fruit with contained concentration and extraction. The bouquet is alive with blackcurrants, cherry, spice and hints of campfire ember. This is one of the jewels of Bolgheri. The blend is 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot and 15% Sangiovese...(ML)