Bolgheri is an Italian appellation located in Tuscany that is best known for its tannic red wines made from classic Bordeaux grapes. These red wines can be made entirely from Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, or Merlot, or with a blend of these wines and up to 50 percent of Syrah or Sangiovese and up to 30 percent of Petit Verdot grapes.
Although wine has been cultivated in the region since ancient times, the production was mainly focused on local grapes and rudimental table wines. The situation changed in the mid-20th century with the arrival of Mario Incisa Della Rocchetta, who moved to Bolgheri and started producing wine, mainly for personal needs.
He introduced Cabernets, classic Bordeaux grapes, as he assumed that the grape might prosper on gravel soils, which were similar to those in Graves. The wine was named Sassicaia, and it was introduced in 1972 with the 1968 vintage. Despite its apparent quality, the wine did not enjoy much success. Read more
The twist came in 1978 when Sassicaia topped the list at a blind tasting organized by Decanter. The fantastic quality of the wine was verified when the legendary Robert Parker gave 1985 vintage Sassicaia 100 points—which was the first time in history for Italian wine.
With this success, many realized the potential of the region. In 1983, the first set of regulations for white and rosé wines was introduced, and in 1994, a broader, less traditional version was created to include red wines made with grape varieties that were typically grown in the area.
To this day, the appellation remains one of the most prestigious Italian terroirs. In 2013, Sassicaia was awarded a separate DOC status, and it remains the only single-estate appellation in Italy. Bolgheri appellation includes sub-regions for red (rosso), white (bianco), and rosé (rosato) wines.
