What Makes Bolgheri Wine So Special?

The quick answer is a super terroir, a majestic history of Bolgheri wine production, the use of superior Bolgheri wine grapes, and the creative genius of 20th century winemakers.

What is Bolgheri Wine?

The DOC designation for Bolgheri wine encompasses white, red, and rosé wines from the west-central area of the Italian region of Tuscany, named after the town located on the Livorno coast. In the late 1990s, vineyards spanned only 200 hectares; today, they encompass around 900 hectares surrounding the municipality of Castagneto Carducci in the province of Livorno, in the western part of the region. This municipality was named after the literary historian Giosuè Carducci (1835–1907), who spent his childhood there. Bolgheri is a district located eight kilometers to the north, which includes the Oasi di Bolgheri natural reserve, covering approximately 500 hectares.

Among the most prominent and well-known Bolgheri wine producers are Antinori with the Guado al Tasso winery and Gaja with the Ca’ Marcanda winery. The accompanying image shows the Bellaria Alta vineyard of the Ornellaia estate, overlooking the sea and the coastal town of Marina di Bibbona.

But What Makes Bolgheri Wines Special? 

First, it counts as one of Tuscany’s most precious gems and a source of pride for Italy on the world stage.

Second, the Bolgheri region is cradled like a jewel by the Metalliferous Hills, its slopes bask in the sun as it sets into the Tyrrhenian Sea, caressed by gentle breezes.

Third, Bolgheri wines come from a land forever tied to wine, among the first in Europe to cultivate grapevines thanks to the technical expertise of the Etruscans and now associated with the famed Super Tuscans.

Best Bolgheri Wines

When you go to buy wine online, be sure to look out for the following best Bolgheri wines:

Bolgheri - Bellaria Alta Vineyard (Ornellaia) in Marina di Bibbona

The Bianco is made with the Bolgheri wine grapes Vermentino (up to 70%), Sauvignon Blanc (up to 70%), Trebbiano Toscano (up to 40%), and other permitted varieties (up to 30%). Rosso and Rosato can be produced with any combination of Cabernet Sauvignon and/or Merlot and/or Cabernet Franc (up to 100%), Syrah (up to 50%), Sangiovese (up to 50%), and other permitted red varieties (up to 30%). When you buy wine online, consider the 2019 Chiappini Bolgheri Superiore Guado de' Gemoli. Then there’s the 2022 Ornellaia Poggio alle Gazze dell'Ornellaia, and for the best Bolgher wine price, the 2022 Ornellaia Le Volte dell'Ornellaia.

The Rosso Superiore must age for 26 months, including at least 12 months in oak barrels. The two white varietal wines, Sauvignon Blanc and Vermentino, must contain at least 85% of the respective variety, with the remainder composed of other permitted white varieties. A good example of Bolgheri white wine is the 2022 Podere Grattamacco Bolgheri Vermentino.

DOC Bolgheri Sassicaia

This counts as the best Bolgheri wine. The DOC area Bolgheri Sassicaia, named after the location Sassicaia (referring to the stony soil, sassi = stones), is owned by a single winery, Tenuta San Guido. This red wine gained fame in the late 1960s and contributed to the success of the so-called Super Tuscans. However, the wine is commonly referred to simply as Sassicaia, which is also a synonym or name for the winery itself.

How Did the Bolgheri Wine Region Reach Its Current Fame? 

A History Built on the Future

The story of this small yet remarkable Tuscan village in the municipality of Castagneto Carducci is one of enduring values, quality, hard work, and excellence. It is the tale of a land whose roots stretch into the future. Owing to its strategic position, Bolgheri has captured attention for centuries. Its modern history began in the late 17th century. The Lombard family Della Gherardesca, absolute rulers of the area, played a key role in developing the region and establishing a thriving settlement in the hilly area not far from the sea.

At the century’s close, Guidalberto, one of the family’s protégés, shaped Bolgheri’s destiny. The nobleman began planting the first vineyards in the open plains of San Guido and Belvedere. These vineyards gave rise to what made Bolgheri and its wines famous: the iconic Viale dei Cipressi, a cypress-lined avenue connecting Bolgheri to San Guido, which now attracts visitors from around the globe. Guidalberto also initiated the restructuring of Bolgheri’s vineyards, ushering the town into the modern era.

Antinori and Incisa della Rocchetta

In the early 20th century Bolgheri could reemerged to claim its role with renewed strength and determination. After Guidalberto, other now-legendary figures left their mark on Bolgheri’s history.

In 1930, Marquis Mario Incisa della Rocchetta arrived in Bolgheri, marrying one of the two daughters of the Counts of Gherardesca. Destiny, however, intervened: the second Gherardesca daughter married another prominent figure, Marquis Niccolò Antinori.

The vast Della Gherardesca estate was thus divided. Land on the left of the Viale dei Cipressi went to the Incisa della Rocchetta family, while the right was given to the Antinori family.

The Bolgheri Wine Region Revolution

It was Mario Incisa della Rocchetta’s visionary experimentation that forever transformed the quality of Bolgheri wines. The marquis decided to produce red wines in the French style, planting vines closer to the sea—a bold and unconventional move in the eyes of locals.

The resulting “experimental” Bolgheri wine from decades of effort was initially reserved for private consumption. That is, until Piero Antinori, Niccolò’s son, had a groundbreaking idea: he encouraged his uncle Mario to try marketing the wine.

Sassicaia and the Rise of the Super Tuscans

In 1972, the first Sassicaia was officially born, named after the nearly 600 hectares of stony terrain (sassi = stones) that Mario Incisa della Rocchetta had devoted to cultivating vines. Initially unpopular with locals, these vineyards would become legendary.

In 1983, Bolgheri was granted DOC status—but only for white and rosé wines. The red wines were categorized as Super Tuscans, as they fell outside traditional specifications. It wasn’t until 1994 that Bolgheri’s red wines achieved their own DOC status, recognized for their unique blend of Bolgheri wine grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.

The ultimate triumph came in 1985 when renowned American wine critic Robert Parker awarded Sassicaia a perfect score of 100 points, securing Bolgheri’s place on the global stage.

Conclusion

Bolgheri wine embodies the perfect fusion of history, innovation, and nature. From its humble beginnings rooted in Etruscan tradition to the rise of the globally renowned Super Tuscans, Bolgheri has proven itself a symbol of excellence in winemaking. Its distinct terroir, masterful blending of exceptional grape varieties, and the visionary efforts of legendary producers like Tenuta San Guido have made it a gem in the world of fine wines.

Discover the magic of Bolgheri for yourself. Explore our curated collection of Bolgheri wines online, featuring iconic labels like Sassicaia and Ornellaia. Elevate your wine experience today—order now and savor the legacy of Tuscany’s finest vintages!