Grattamacco
How to pronounce Grattamacco
Bolgheri's second-ever winery, pioneering elevated vineyards and organic farming since 1977 with Super Tuscan blends of rare elegance.
Grattamacco is one of Bolgheri's founding estates, established in 1977 as the region's second winery alongside Sassicaia. The estate farms 34 hectares of vineyards organically, producing Cabernet Sauvignon-led blends with a distinctive inclusion of Sangiovese. Its 2021 Bolgheri Superiore earned 97 points from James Suckling.
- Founded in 1977, the second winery established in Bolgheri after Sassicaia
- First vintage released in 1982; first winery in Bolgheri to vinify Bolgheri Rosso and plant Vermentino
- Acquired by the Tipa-Bertarelli family in 2002 and now part of the ColleMassari Group
- Organically certified by ICEA for over 20 years
- Situated on one of only two hills in Bolgheri, at 100-200 meters elevation, with panoramic Tuscan coastal views
- Signature Bolgheri Superiore blend: 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 15% Sangiovese
- Winemaker Luca Marrone uses spontaneous fermentation in open oak vats with macerations of approximately 25 days
History and Origins
Grattamacco was founded in 1977 as only the second winery established in the now-celebrated Bolgheri zone, arriving just after the pioneering Sassicaia. The estate released its first vintage in 1982 and quickly distinguished itself as an innovator, becoming the first winery in Bolgheri to vinify Bolgheri Rosso and the first to plant Vermentino in the appellation. The Tipa-Bertarelli family acquired Grattamacco in 2002, integrating it into their ColleMassari Group and initiating organic certification that same year.
- Established 1977, first vintage 1982
- First in Bolgheri to produce Bolgheri Rosso and plant Vermentino
- Acquired by Tipa-Bertarelli family in 2002; part of the ColleMassari Group
- Organic certification by ICEA maintained for over 20 years
Terroir and Vineyard
The estate covers 80 hectares total, with 34 hectares under vine and 5 hectares of olive groves. The vineyards sit at 100 to 200 meters above sea level on one of only two hills in Bolgheri, offering panoramic views of the Tuscan coast. The Mediterranean climate delivers dry conditions and notable temperature fluctuations, moderated by sea breezes from the nearby Tyrrhenian Sea. Soils are a complex mix of quartz sandstone, white clay, marly limestone, flysch, red sands, and sandy clay loam with fine gravel and fossil fragments.
- 34 hectares of vineyards at 100-200 meters elevation
- Complex soils: quartz sandstone, white clay, marly limestone, flysch, and red sands
- Dry Mediterranean climate with Tyrrhenian Sea maritime influence
- Low yields of approximately 3 tons per acre; all grapes hand-harvested
Grapes and Wine Style
Grattamacco grows Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Sangiovese, and Vermentino. The estate is particularly noted for its commitment to retaining Sangiovese in its blends despite the elevated, coastal conditions that might otherwise discourage it. The flagship Grattamacco Bolgheri Superiore is composed of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, and 15% Sangiovese. Winemaker Luca Marrone employs spontaneous fermentation in open oak vats with long macerations of around 25 days, producing wines recognized for elegance, complexity, power, and aging potential.
- Flagship blend: 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 15% Sangiovese
- Pioneered Sangiovese inclusion in Bolgheri blends at altitude
- Spontaneous fermentation in open oak vats; macerations approximately 25 days
- 2021 Bolgheri Superiore scored 97 points from James Suckling
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Look it up →Classification and Labels
Grattamacco produces wines across three classifications within the Bolgheri DOC: Bolgheri Superiore DOC, Bolgheri Rosso DOC, and Bolgheri Vermentino. The Bolgheri Superiore designation represents the appellation's highest tier and is reserved for wines meeting stricter aging and composition requirements. All production is governed by the Bolgheri DOC framework, which covers wines from one of Tuscany's most internationally recognized coastal appellations.
- Produces Bolgheri Superiore DOC, Bolgheri Rosso DOC, and Bolgheri Vermentino
- Bolgheri Superiore is the appellation's top-tier classification
- First winery in Bolgheri to vinify Bolgheri Rosso commercially
The Grattamacco Bolgheri Superiore delivers concentrated dark fruit, structured tannins, and a savory backbone from Sangiovese, layered with the depth and density of Cabernet Sauvignon and the plush texture of Merlot. The elevated, hillside terroir and long macerations contribute complexity, finesse, and notable aging potential.
- Grattamacco Bolgheri Rosso$30-45Entry-level Bolgheri blend showcasing the estate's Cabernet-Sangiovese house style at an accessible price.Find →
- Grattamacco Bolgheri Vermentino$25-35Produced from vines the estate pioneered in Bolgheri; a crisp coastal white with genuine regional character.Find →
- Grattamacco Bolgheri Superiore$80-110The flagship 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 15% Sangiovese blend; 2021 vintage scored 97 points from James Suckling.Find →
- Founded 1977: second winery in Bolgheri after Sassicaia; first vintage 1982
- First estate in Bolgheri to produce Bolgheri Rosso DOC and to plant Vermentino
- Flagship Bolgheri Superiore blend: 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 15% Sangiovese; notable for retaining Sangiovese at elevated coastal sites
- Organically certified by ICEA since 2002; low yields of approximately 3 tons per acre with hand harvesting
- Acquired by Tipa-Bertarelli family in 2002; now part of the ColleMassari Group