2023 Bolgheri, Rosso, Grattamacco, Tuscany, Italy

The 2023 Bolgheri Rosso highlights the importance of the Cabernet Franc in the blend. In the glass, it displays a purple/red color and is highly expressive with wonderful energy on the nose. Fermented in stainless steel tank, and then in used barrels (3 to 4 years old), the nose reveals lively aromas of currants, graphite, black raspberries, sweet herbs, and floral perfume. The palate is full-bodied, with a refreshing, compact, and angular structure, well-defined tannins, an even spine of acidity, and notes of dusty earth through the finish. An overachiever with exceptional purity, this is an early contender for top lists of the year. Bravo.

Grattamacco's Bolgheri Rosso 2023 is intense and chewy, with fresh dark fruits matched to incisive acidity. A succulent mid-palate leads to a balsamic finish with floral notes. It's all nicely in balance but needs time to show its best. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Sangiovese and Petit Verdot.

The organic Grattamacco 2023 Bolgheri Rosso was a little closed when I tasted my sample. The wine shows a firmness and concentration that you don't get in the much looser 2022 vintage that I tasted at the same time. There is plenty of dark fruit, baked plum and dried cherry skins, but the wine also delivers some spice and burnt ember that add a savory signature. The blend is 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc, 10% Sangiovese and 5% Petit Verdot, with 110,000 bottles released.