In the heart of southern Tuscany is one of one of Italy and Tuscany’s prestigious wine regions, Bolgheri. Wine lovers may be most familiar with this territory for the innovate “Super Tuscan” reds that hit the scene in the late 20th century. I was introduced to these wines via a virtual tasting hosted by Argentiera and Studio Cru and led by Argentiera’s winemaker, Nicoló Carrara, whom has been their winemaker wince 2009.
Nicoló Carrara
In this article I feature the wines of Argentiera, a winery that takes pride in its distinctive reds made from Bordeaux grapes such as Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot.
Where is Bolgheri?
Bolgheri sits in the southwestern part of Tuscany covering over 3,700 acres of land. The area is in the shape of an amphitheater that hugs the Tuscan coastline for 8 miles. The vineyards slowly slope downwards towards the Tyrrhenian Sea while being backed by hills and surrounded with the biodiversity of the Tuscan forest.
Argentiera has some of Bolgheri’s highest elevated vineyards in the area reaching up to 650 feet above sea level overlooking the Tuscan Archipelago and Tyrrhenian Sea. It is here that the grapes receive frequent sea breezes helping with ventilation for the grapes along with reflection off the sea further exposing the grapes to the warmth from the sun. The diurnal swings in temperature help with the freshness and high acidity in the wines.
The wines obtain minerality from the stony, mineral rich soils. In the lower parts it is more sandy and red due to the sea. In the higher sections the soils consist of more limestone and clay.
About Argentiera
The history of Bolgheri is known for its silver mining during the time of the Etruscans, silver translating to argento in Italian, hence the name of the winery, Argentiera. The estate was founded in 1999 in the town of Castagneto Carducci by Florentine entrepreneurs, the Fratinis. Originally it was part of the Donoratico estate that belonged to the Florence family, Serristori, whom acquired it in 1512.
The Argentinera estate consists of 100 acres that is only about one mile from the Tyrrhenian Sea amongst the hills of Donoratico.
Argentiera’s mission is to create wines in the vineyard that demonstrate elegance and freshness and to maintain those expressions throughout the winemaking process. In 2016 when Stanilaus Turnauer, an Austrian entrepreneur, took over Argentiera, his aim was to respect the heritage and provide an innovative approach to winemaking while giving these wines the international attention they deserve. It came to life under known Marchese Piero Antinori, one of the Bolgheri DOC’s founders joined with the expertise of agronomist now CEO, Federico Zileri Dal Verme.
The wines of Argentiera
These wines I sampled show both power and elegance with a distinct expression of the territory while representing a land and winery backed by a rich history.
2022 Argentiera Donoratico Bolgheri Rosso DOC is named after the hills of Donoratico nearby and the original villa from the 18th century. These vineyards are 90% made up of clay. The wine is polished and an approachable style in comparison to the Bolgheri Superiore. This wine is made up of 46% Merlot, 43% Cabernet Sauvignon and 11% Cabernet Franc and is refined in 500 liter oak tonneaux.
Villa Donoratico
Deep ruby in color with aromas of forest berries with some spice and a hint of licorice. Full-bodied and dry on the palate with rich, plush darker fruit, but still showing freshness and elegance. I personally preferred this wine over the Poggio Ai Ginepri for it’s fruit profile and character. ABV 14.5%, SRP $55.
The 2022 Argentiera Poggio Ai Ginepri Toscana IGT is made of 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and 10% Petit Verdot that are all separately vinified. These grapes are grown on 30 hectares that are located closest to the ancient coastal round, Aurelia. There the soils are full of red sands.
The wine comes from younger vines. It’s bright ruby in color with aromas of cherries and blackberries. Medium to full bodied, dry with notes of black currants and blackberries. ABV 14.5%, SRP $30
The 2023 Argentiera Scenario Bolgheri Bianco DOC Vermentino is made from 100% Vermentino grown in small vineyards that were planted 6 years ago at the top of the Donoratico hills. It’s a smaller production for Argentiera with only 3,000 bottles produced annually. Brilliant straw color in the glass. Medium bodied that is fresh, displaying citrus and stone fruits along with some nice minerality showing on the palate. ABV 12.5%
The flagship wines of Argentinera are the Argentiera Bolgheri Superiore DOC wines. I was lucky to do a side by side comparison of the 2021 Argentiera Bolgheri Superiore and the 2022 vintage. Similar in style with my personal preference leaning towards the 2022 vintage, although winemaker Nicolo said that the 2021 vintage was the one of the best for its weather.
The 2021 Argentiera Bolgheri Rosso Superiore DOC is a blend of 48% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Sauvignon jand 7% Cabernet Franc. Also deep ruby in color with similar aromas to the 2022. Full-bodied with rich black fruits and a solid tannic backbone and good acidity. A silkiness on the finish along with touch of cedar. ABV 14.5%, SRP $150
You can find the wines from Argentiera on Wine.com to try. I may receive compensation for any wines purchased through the affiliate link in support of Vino Travels.
Importer: Volio Imports
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