Grattamacco 1999

A Super Tuscan with Nutty and Ripe Fruit Aromas

Second only to Sassicaia in antiquity in the Bolgheri territory, Grattamacco was first founded in 1977, with the first wine produced in 1982. In the 1970's, Grattamacco was one of the revolutionary Super Tuscans that changed the face of Tuscan viticulture by introducing international grape varieties into the formerly Sangiovese-dominated blend. Today, this prestigious Super Tuscan expands over 14 hectares of vines on a hilltip overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea, grown in three different soil types (silt and red sandy soil, calcareous flysch and sandy calcareous flysch) and cultivated organically. The Grattamacco Bolgheri Superiore is produced from a 10-hectare vineyard at 100 metres above sea level. The grapes are harvested by hand and fermented in cone-shaped fermentation barrels before malolactic fermentation in stainless steel. The wine then matures for 18 months in barrique of one or two previous uses and is aged in bottle for at least 12 months before release.

The Grattamacco 1999 blends 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot and 15% Sangiovese. In the glass, this Super Tuscan wine displays a beautiful and consistent orange red colour. The first nose reveals a nutty character, reminiscent of peanuts and cashews or creamy peanut butter. Hints of very ripe fruit emerge next, peppered with spice. On the palate, this wine is still fresh and very smooth. A great wine worthy of its name, which has evolved beautifully in the bottle and is now ready to drink after 19 years of age.