Bolgheri (Super Toscans)

Bolgheri, located on the Tuscan coast just south of Livorno, is one of Italy’s most prestigious and sought-after wine regions. This DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata) area is renowned for its exceptional quality wines, particularly red blends made from Bordeaux grape varieties.

Bolgheri rose to international fame in 1974 after a landmark tasting organized by Decanter, where a 6-year-old Sassicaia impressed wine experts and outshone a selection of Bordeaux wines. This event solidified Bolgheri’s reputation as a world-class wine-producing region.

The region benefits from a unique terroir, characterized by sunny, dry, and moderately windy conditions, perfect for growing the noble grape varieties of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot. These varieties produce wines of remarkable structure, complexity, and aging potential. Bolgheri Rosso is known for its elegant texture and aromas of ripe red fruits, tobacco, and subtle spices, while Bolgheri Superiore wines—made from the best vineyards—showcase greater depth and aging potential, with many reaching their peak after 10 to 15 years.

Wines from Bolgheri are often aged in oak barrels, which imparts additional complexity and refinement to the wines. Prestigious producers like Sassicaia and Ornellaia have put Bolgheri on the global wine map, with their wines now being among the most respected and highly rated in the world.

Bolgheri wines pair wonderfully with rich dishes such as grilled meats, game, and aged cheeses, making them an ideal choice for food pairings. With its exceptional Bordeaux-style blends, Bolgheri continues to impress wine lovers and collectors around the world.