Bolgheri

Today the main Bolgheri DOC sits in area of 13.5km x 7.5km.

The area is a natural theater with the Colline Metalifere (hills with a rich variety of metallic mineral resources) to the east that gradually slope downwards towards the coastline. Thick forests cover the surrounding hillsides maintaining and protecting the rich and complex ecosystem. The tiered hillsides slowly descend towards the central arena; an area of flat terrain where most of the vineyards grow. Bolgheri faces center stage: the Tyrrhenian sea dominated by the Tuscan archipelago with Corsica visible on the horizon.

The hill protect the region from rains coming from the east and the ocean offers cooling maritime winds from the west.

With in the DOC includes another the Bolgheri Sassacaia DOC holding only the vineyards of Tenuta San Guido, Sassacaia.

Piermario Meletti Cavallari moved to Castagneto from Bergamo in 1977 and founded Podere Grattamaccobecoming only the second winery of the DOC following Sassicaia to produce Bolgheri style wines.

Shortly after that, Michele Satta came to Bolgheri from Varese and established his own winery after having farmed the land extensively.

The Belvedere property was developed into two distinct estates; Marchese Lodovico Antinori founded Ornellaia while his older brother Piero founded Guado al Tasso.

The only producer who is a native of Bolgheri is Eugenio Campolmi who established Le Macchiole.

As of 2023 there were 65 growers with 1,370ha under vine (1,190ha DOC & 180ha IGT)

Around 85% of the production is red.

The major varieties planted are Cabernet Sauvignon 34.16%, Merlot 22.22%, Cabernet Franc 15.86%, Vementino 9.87%. Syrah 6.61%. Petit Verdot 4.84%, Viognier 1.54%, Sangiovese 1.28% & Sauvignon Blanc 0.82%.

The Consorzio di Tutela Bolgheri e Bolgheri Sassicaia is a great reference for those wanting to dive deeper.