Founded in 1977, and acquired by the Tipa Bertarelli Family in 2002, Grattamacco was one of first the two wineries in Bolgheri. A region typically known for Cabernet and Merlot, Grattamacco sets itself apart from surrounding wineries with its winemaking practices using 15% Sangiovese to impart quality and elegance in its wines. Grattamacco was not only the first winery in Bolgheri to use Sangiovese because of its high altitude despite its proximity to the coast, but also the first to plant Vermentino. Grattamacco wines are known for both their power, elegance and complexity that evolves with time.
The 67 acres of vineyards are located on a rise between Castagneto Carducci and Bolgheri, with a panoramic view of the Tuscan coast. The Grattamacco vineyards are located at about 330 feet above sea level, in a wonderfully protected plot that spans over one of Bolgheri’s only two hills, and is surrounded by other internationally renowned Bolgheri properties.
This area benefits from a dry climate with considerable temperature fluctuations and is famous for its world class wines.
Integrity, quality and teamwork are the values that are upheld by the Tipa Bertarelli Family. They apply Italian passion and Swiss precision in crafting wines that represent top quality, history and identity of the region. The winery practices sustainable and natural methods in full respect of Nature. Their final pillar and belief is to protect and maintain the identity of Tuscany and its traditions. While innovating in the vineyard and cellar, their wines always reflect the tradition of the region.
Podere Grattamacco Bolgheri Superiore is made from 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 15% Sangiovese.
#12 Wine Spectator Top 100 of 2022
The olfactory impact is of considerable aromatic intensity: it expands with notes of small, fully ripe red fruits, accompanied by clear balsamic and Mediterranean hints. In progression, typical mineral notes develop. The gustatory impact is austere, of remarkable freshness and of large volume. It develops in a balanced fusion between the broad minerality and the fine and enveloping tannins. Everything is found in the long final persistence that foreshadows a long life ahead.
Goes well with game, as e.g. local preparations of wild boar, roast, braised and stewed red meats, and medium aged cheese.
Review:
Dense and smooth, featuring black cherry, blackberry, plum, iron, licorice and menthol aromas and flavors. Fresh and featuring a spine of tannins, this finishes on the compact side for now. Shows balance, so be patient. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Sangiovese. Best from 2025.
-Wine Spectator 97 Points
The 2019 Bolgheri Superiore Grattamacco (a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot and 15% Sangiovese) is a real beauty and shows very nicely today based on advancing vine age alone. Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah vines show great results after seven years, whereas Merlot and Sangiovese vines need a few more years before they start to show that extra degree of complexity, the winemaking team tells me. This is a complete and beautifully balanced wine that shows soft extraction and especially sweet tannins. It fermented in truncated conical oak vats and finished in barrique for 18 months.
-Wine Advocate 97 Points
Mollydooker Velvet Glove Shiraz is made from 100 percent Shiraz.
Sticky plum jam and spicy nutmeg aromas are alluringly prominent on the nose, whilst berries and mocha weave
and envelop your entire palate. The finish is incredibly smooth and silky, with elegant fruit flavors that linger in your mouth. An outstanding example of a perfectly balanced Shiraz from McLaren Vale.
Review:
The dazzling 2021 ‘The Velvet Glove’ is a monumental effort that has some really great aging potential. Coming from the Gateway Vineyard in McLaren Vale, this was aged in all new American oak before bottling. A total stunner, the seamless texture entices as you are greeted to blueberry compote with creme de violette, asphalt and stony mineral flavors, with serious viscosity and tension. This was just as outstanding tried the day after opening. Very heady and hedonistic, yet showing an astonishingly good acid backbone, this beauty will live on for another fifteen plus years to come.
- Owen Bargreen 99 Points
Boussey Monthelie Rouge Les Hauts Brins is made from 100 percent Pinot Noir.
The vineyard for this wine is located in the North-Esat corner of the appellation (not too far away from Volnay) and it has a perfect South sun exposure.
Boussey Monthelie Rouge shows a beautiful light garnet color.
It displays classic aromas for the appellation with dark fruit and peony.
Excellent with beef and grilled vegatables.