Mission Codename Life in the fast lane
The 1970s was when disco balls and bell bottoms conquered the world. That same decade was also happening in Tuscany, thanks to visionaries such as Sassicaia and Tignanello. It’s this dynamic era that gave birth to Grattamacco. This prime plot on the neoclassic coastal paradise for Cabernet Sauvignon and other Bordeaux varieties found new life in the 21st century under the auspices of the Swiss-Italian Bertarelli family of mythical fortunes. Here we have a genuinely pampered thoroughbred.
Deep, near opaque cherry red with a svelte ruby circle caressing the glass under strong light. The nose is defined by blackberries and cassis macerated in cloves, fresh oregano, dark chocolate and black pepper. At once hefty and refreshing with the perfect balance of sweet dark berries and savory spice caressing the palate. Authoritative, long and built for the long haul too, with an alluringly irresistible deliciousness that marks the glamorous finish. Ideal pairings would be a wide range of game meats for sure, be it venison, wild boar, or pheasant, roasted until juicy with spices and wine.
In the presence of the 2016 Sassicaia - THE benchmark Bolgheri neighbor to Grattamacco that sells for 5-6 times what you’ll be paying here - a near speechless Monica Larner reporting for Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate uttered the words; “to my palate, this is the best vintage produced following the revolutionary 1985 vintage that set a new milestone for Italian wine excellence.” James Suckling echoed this sentiment with; “Tuscany remains the strongest beacon for the great wines of Italy around the world, and as a symbol for outstanding quality wines, it is only going to get stronger with the 2016 vintage. Buy some and see for yourself.”
All that’s missing is a handstitched leather interior supercar with a trunk compartment specially designed to haul wine to a countryside Tuscan picnic. If you’re fast enough to grab some, we trust you could replicate an experience akin to that, this collectible deserves it! Did we say this gets from $100 to $55 in 45 seconds? We mean 45 percent! 96 Points and 95% Cabernets with Etruscan soul. AND 3+ ships free? WOW. Heads up Operatives, only 2 of the barrels of the 20 made it into the US, so the urgency is REAL!
Here’s what the wine press has to say:
96 Points – Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate - “The celebrated Grattamacco estate spans over 27 hectares and the vines are 25 years old on average. The vineyards are positioned from 100 to 200 meters above sea level, and the soils reflect the very mixed and variable profile you often get in Bolgheri, ranging from sedimentary flysch to limestone marl, with different levels of clay and calcareous sandstone. The vines are trained with bilateral cordon, Guyot and traditional alberello. This wine delivers an exceptional quality of fruit. The 2016 Bolgheri Superiore l’Alberello is vinous and raw with an unmistakably authentic quality that gives this wine character and a specific territorial identity. You taste the flavors of the Tuscan Coast with that “macchia mediterrana,” or Mediterranean brush, with ripe cherry, plum, black olive and sweet cinnamon spice. At this young stage, the wine’s oak imprint is evident, but we can look forward to this relaxing and tapering down with more bottle age. Drink 2019-2035.”
Tasting Profile
Tasting Profile
Look | A shy cloak of deep crimson fades to a bright orange glowing ‘sunset over the island of Capri’ rim. |
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Smell | Refined and polished, with a feminine touch instantly apparent with blackberries, violets, and tar. |
Taste | Such balance and grace, it glides seamlessly through the palate with silky tannins and spicy depth. |
Finish | Words run short to describe how deeply elegant yet powerful this wine is, lengthy and subversive. |
Pairing | Save this for a special occasion, even with a near-decade in the cellar it still has years left to bloom. |
What the Winery Says
2016 'L'Alberello' Bolgheri Superiore DOC
- Winemaker
- Luca Marrone
- Varietals
- 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petit Verdot
- Vintage
- 2016
- Appellation
- Bolgheri Superiore DOCG, Tuscany
- Alcohol
- 14.5%
- Elevation
- 165 feet
- Type of soil
- silt, brown and red clay
- Training method
- Alberello (bush vines)
- Harvest dates
- September 23rd-24th 2016
- Aging
- 16 months
- Barrels
- 50% new French oak
- Production
- 30 barrels