The Silver Lining of Bolgheri: The Wines of Tenuta Argentiera

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.   

copyright of Argentiera

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.

With a slight difference on the blends, the 2022 Argentiera Bolgheri Rosso Superiore DOC is made up of 46% Merlot, 435 Cabernet Sauvignon and 11% Cabernet Franc.  This wine receives no more than 14 months aging in wood including French barrique, tonneaux and 3000 liter big casks.  It spends 6 months in concrete before the final blend and less than a year in the bottle.  Deep ruby in color with intense fruit aromas of plum, raspberry, blackberry and currant along with some sweet tobacco and spice.  Full-bodied with concentrated black fruits on the palate, nice structure and freshness.  ABV 14%, SRP $150. 

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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 *These wines were provided as samples, but opinions are always my own.

Bolgheri of Southern Tuscany with Tenuta Sette Cieli

When we think of Tuscan wines the mind gravitates to the wines of the Chianti wine region like the ones I shared last week from I Veroni.  The southern part of Tuscany has many other great regions to experience including Bolgheri, the Maremma and Montecucco to mention a few.  Today let’s dig into the territory of Bolgheri and the wines of Tenuta Sette Cieli.  

The winery - Tenuta Sette Cieli

Tenuta Sette Cieli began in 1994 and was established by the Ratti family.  The Ratti family originated from Lake Como in northern Italy before moving to the area of Bolgheri.  Erika Ratti had a desire to move to Bolgheri and their son, Ambrogio, believed in the potential of making wine there.  The family purchased 170 acres of land between the areas of Bolgheri and Castagneto Carducci near the village of Monteverdi Marittimo.  The land was originally used for horseback riding and hunting wild boar until the year 2000 when the Ratti family started to plant vineyards after receiving interest from other wineries to lease the land to plant their own vineyards.  They knew there was potential in the land so decided to discover it for themselves.  

In 2012 Ambrogio took over the estate focusing on quality, practices in the vineyards and purchased additional acreage.  About 17 acres are planted to international varieties to include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Malbec on soils made of a mix of sandy, clay and rock.  

The region - Bolgheri

Although the wines I’m sharing today are listed under the Toscana IGT, Tenuta Sette Cieli is situated in the area of Bolgheri within the province of Livorno.  I haven’t written too much about Bolgheri, but it is an important zone to know in understanding the Tuscan wine region.  The area is not rather large covering about 8 miles from north to south and 4 miles from east to west.  It is covered in thick forests that start in the hills known as the Colline Metalifere that slope down to the Tyrrhenian Sea.  Here the Tyrrhenian Sea influences the climate providing a sea breeze that cools off the vineyards reducing the humidity and helping to prevent fungal diseases.

The wines of the Bolgheri DOC cover this territory mentioned except west of Via Aurelia along the coastline, a road built by Romans in 3 B.C.  It is not included since the terrain isn’t ideal growing conditions for vineyards.  The vineyards here reach altitudes up to 1,250 feet with soils made of mostly sandy clay and marine sediment.  In 2006 known Professor Attila’s Scienza determined this area has over 27 soil types so much variety can be found depending upon the vineyard.

Bollgheri landscape - sourced from Consorzio di Tutela Bolgheri e Bolgheri Sassicaia

The original Bolgheri DOC included only white from Vermentino grapes and rose wines based on Sangiovese.  Reds were permitted in 1994, which resulted in the Bolgheri Rosso DOC, Bolgheri Superiore DOC and the specialized Bolgheri Sassicaia DOC creation.  The wines typical of this area include a blend of varying percentages of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc with possible additions of Sangiovese, Petit Verdot and Syrah.

The wines  

I tasted 3 wines this week from Tenuta Sette Cieli listed in order of my preference.  All the wines are 100% organic, but the winery is not certified.  

The 2021 Tenute Sette Cieli Yantra Toscana IGT is a blend of 40% Merlot and 60% Cabernet Sauvignon.   The wine is fermented in stainless steel with indigenous yeasts and spends 6 months in French oak that is 4-6 years old plus an additional 6 months in the bottle. 

This is their entry-level wine and portrayed itself as such.  Ruby red with purple hues with aromas of ripe raspberry, cocoa, and a hint of bell pepper.  Medium-bodied with the fruit up front and nice acidity.  Smooth tannins with the oak showing up on the finish.  14.5% SRP $24

The highlight of tasting these wines was the next two.  The 2018 Tenuta Sette Cieli Indaco Toscana IGT is a blend of 34% Malbec, 33% Cabernet Sauvignon and 33% Merlot.  The wine is named after the color indigo named after the Tuscan sunsets frequently seen from the winery.  Fermented in stainless steel the wine spends 18 months in 35% new French barrique.  Ruby colored in the glass with jammy aromas of ripe, rich blueberries and raspberries.  A structured, full-bodied with rich red and black fruits.  Balanced with good acidity and an elegant finish with notes of vanilla.  ABV 14% SRP $60

The 2018 Tenuta Sette Cieli Scipio Toscana IGT is named after the famous Roman general that defeated Hannibal after the Second Punic War.  Made from 100% Cabernet Franc the vineyards are located at about 1,300 feet above sea level.  This wine spends 18 months in 40% new French oak barrels.  Ruby in color leaning towards garnet hues.  A rich nose of blueberry, blackberry and raspberry with a hint of green bell pepper and coffee beans.  Full-bodied with complexity.  Great acidity with the same fruit profile showing on the palate with some spice and leather.  A lengthy elegant finish.  ABV 14.5% SRP $140

You can find the wines of Tenuta Sette Cieli on Wine.com.  They are imported by Wilson Daniels.

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*I may receive commissions if any wines are purchased directly from this buyer to support the operations of Vino Travels.  The wines shared today were received as samples, but opinions are always my own.

Super Tuscans: What's it all about?

Over a year ago I attended a guided tasting seminar of the Grandi Marchi, which represents Italy’s premium brands throughout Italy.  As our Italian Food, Wine & Travel group highlights Super Tuscans this month I realized it was the perfect time to share one of the wines I tasted at the event, which is one of the beginners of this whole “Super Tuscan” movement.  

You probably have heard the term “Super Tuscan” before and even myself before I really started learning about wine understood it to always be a wine of prestige, but that isn’t always the case.  What is a Super Tuscan?  It’s a term that was established back in the 80's.  It is rooted in the 70's when some key wine producers decided to venture outside the normal guidelines of utilizing sangiovese and started to either blend international varieties like cabernet sauvignon, merlot and cabernet franc or produce wines solely on these international grapes.  

Due to Italian wine law these wines could not carry the DOC designation and the IGT category hadn't been established at that time.  These wines had to be downgraded to the lowest category, vino da tavola, known as table wine.  Vino da Tavola wines were known as the basic, inexpensive wines and so the term “Super Tuscans” was created to have these wine creations stand out from the rest.  Especially since they were carrying price points over $100+.  It’s an unofficial category and in my opinion is more of a marketing ploy that some producers use to gain the esteem of what was initially intended when creating this term.   

Copyright of Federdoc

The Winery ~ Tenuta San Guido

The leader of this movement stemmed from Tenuta San Guido’s Sassicaia wine of Bolgheri, located in southern Tuscany along the Ligurian coast.  This was a wine region that gained tremendous attention due to the development of Sassicaia.  In the 40’s Mario Incisa della Rocchetta, owner of Tenuta San Guido, established himself in Bolgheri and wanted to produce innovative wines based on Bordeaux grapes.  His nephew, Piero Antinori, got wind of it along with enologist, Giacomo Tachis, and advised him to take his current cabernet franc vines, that were cuttings from the Chateau Lafite-Rothschild estate in Bordeaux, and add cabernet sauvignon to the mix.  In the meantime, Piero was also creating Tignanello, another famous Super Tuscan based on sangiovese and cabernet sauvignon.  Worldwide fame and success grew and established what we know today as Super Tuscans.  

Fun fact, Sassicaia is the only Italian wine to receive its own DOC known as the Bolgheri Sassicaia DOC established in 1994. Today many Super Tuscan wines carry the IGT designation or may fall under the Bolgheri DOC also created in 1994.   

Copyright of Tenuta San Guido

The Wine ~ Sassicaia

2015 Tenuta San Guido Sassicaia Bolgheri Sassicaia DOC – I've
been fortunate to try previous vintages of this wine from prior tastings.  Aged in French oak barrels (3rd pass) for 2 years before it spends an additional year in the bottle.  Made of 85% cabernet sauvignon with 15% cabernet france.  A full-bodied, dense and concentrated wine showing complete elegance.  On the nose were aromas of dried red fruits, while on the palette it was well-balanced rich with black fruits and spice.  The finish was long lasting.  I’d love to try this wine in years to come.  This wine was #1 of Wine Spectator’s Top 100 in 2018.  ABV 14% SRP $265

Copyright of Tenuta San Guido

We're having our Twitter chat a week early due to the 4th of July holiday.  Join us live on Twitter this Saturday at 11am EST as we chat all about Super Tuscans.  Read on to learn more from my fellow Italian wine and food lovers.

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