After the startling successes of pioneering wines like Sassicaia, Ornellaia, and Masseto, the spotlight shone brightly on the Bolgheri region of Tuscany.
It had been clear for years that the Bolgheri area on the Mediterranean coast of Tuscany, while generally too hot for Sangiovese, is perfectly suited to Bordeaux varietals. Like many Tuscan winemakers before him Alessandro Landini, of Chianti Classico produceer Fattoria Viticcio, decided to try his hand in Bolgheri. It has been a rapid success.
Tenuta I Greppi is a small estate. Only 15 of the estates 20 hectares are under vine; the majority of which are 4 or 5 years old. The estate is planted to Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc and farmed organically like Viticcio. As the vineyards mature, the quality of the wines should increase, but I found the subject of today’s review to be excellent right now.
The 2009 I Greppi Greppicante is a dark purple in the glass with pretty violet reflections that lead to a brilliant violet ring around the rim of the glass. Comprised predominantly of Cabernet, with small additions of Merlot and Cabernet Franc, the wine is fermented in stainless steel vats and then aged for 10 months in part new and part used French barrique. Prior to release, the wine is bottle aged for an additional 3-4 months.
The nose of the wine is energetic and very pretty. There’s lilac, black fruits, and toasty spice from the barrique. On the palate, the wine’s flavors are harmonious. Black plummy fruits are accented by warm clay, dried herbs and tobacco. Medium to full bodied and well balanced, this wine will drink well for the next 7-10 years. Excellent value here. 92 points, about $23.
~ Tenuta I Greppi Greppicante 2009 – Bolgheri DOC ~ |
This will be a new addition to the TuscanVines Shopping List. Allora!
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John, "This will be a new addition to the" New Hampshire wineman's shopping list too!
This was very nice and clearly a good QPR. Frankly, I found it more interesting than Vitticcio's wines. They also produce a reverse blend called Greppicaia. In that one, the Merlot is the dominant grape. It's also closer to $50.