2018 Indaco, Tenuta Sette Cieli, Tuscany, Italy

Tenuta Sette Cieli

Tenuta Sette Cieli transcribes as “Seven Skies Estate”, fittingly named due to the amazing panoramic views and huge skies surrounding the 16 hectares of vineyards and picturesque cantina. This trailblazing producer sits apart from the other producers of Bolgheri, both stylistically and geographically. The estate looks over towards the original Sassicaia vineyard, above Bolgheri’s fertile plains and Tyrrhenian Sea beyond. The penthouse of the region, sitting at 400 metres altitude, their organic vineyards are envied by every winemaker in the region. The site benefits from much cooler temperatures, up to 10 degrees Celsius cooler during the summer months, which results in longer, later harvests – up to one month after the fertile plains below. This gives a very different character of wine to what is expected of Bolgheri; fresh, finessed, energetic and crunchy, further enhanced by the ancient soils of the hills, which are filled with calcareous boulders and crystallised minerals giving vibrant salinity to the wines.

Wolves and wild boar roam free up in these hills, as all the vineyards are enclosed by untouched wilderness, and the deep wooded hills of the Monteverdi landscape. Originally bought as a retreat for the Ratti family, it was only planted with vines in 2001. Today, it’s under the control of superstar winemaker Elena Pozzolini, who has taken this estate to new heights. She crafts the wines with immense skill, fierce passion and sensitivity. These are not rich, blockbuster Bolgheri wines; they are nimble, detailed and elegant, standing out against the richer styles of the region. Although many of their vineyards are technically outside the Bolgheri DOCG, due to the altitude, these are some of the most exciting wines in the area. For Elena and Tenuta Sette Cieli, only the sky is the limit.

IGT Tuscany

IGT (Indicazione Geografica Tipica) Tuscany is a wine classification from Italy's Tuscany region. It is one of the official wine classifications recognized by the Italian government. IGT is a step below the highest classification, DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita), and above the DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata) level.

The IGT classification was introduced in 1992 to allow winemakers more flexibility in grape varieties and employ winemaking techniques while still ensuring a certain level of quality and geographical indication. This classification gives winemakers more freedom to experiment and innovate, deviating from the strict regulations of the DOC and DOCG classifications.

IGT Tuscany wines can be produced throughout the entire region of Tuscany, encompassing various sub-regions and terroirs within the area. This classification allows winemakers to use traditional Tuscan grape varieties, such as Sangiovese, and non-traditional grape varieties, including international ones like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, and others.

The IGT Tuscany classification gives winemakers the flexibility to create wines that showcase the unique characteristics of their specific vineyards and winemaking styles. It allows for experimentation with blending different grape varieties, using innovative winemaking techniques, and exploring new regional vineyard sites.

IGT Tuscany wines can vary greatly, from traditional and terroir-driven expressions to more modern and international styles. This classification has played a significant role in developing Super Tuscan wines, often IGT designated and known for their high quality and international recognition.

Overall, IGT Tuscany provides a platform for winemakers in the region to express their creativity and produce wines that reflect their unique vision while maintaining a connection to the rich heritage and traditions of winemaking in Tuscany.

Cabernet Sauvignon blend

Cabernet Sauvignon lends itself particularly well in blends with Merlot. This is actually the archetypal Bordeaux blend, though in different proportions in the sub-regions and sometimes topped up with Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and Petit Verdot.

In the Médoc and Graves the percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend can range from 95% (Mouton-Rothschild) to as low as 40%. It is particularly suited to the dry, warm, free- draining, gravel-rich soils and is responsible for the redolent cassis characteristics as well as the depth of colour, tannic structure and pronounced acidity of Médoc wines. However 100% Cabernet Sauvignon wines can be slightly hollow-tasting in the middle palate and Merlot with its generous, fleshy fruit flavours acts as a perfect foil by filling in this cavity.

In St-Emilion and Pomerol, the blends are Merlot dominated as Cabernet Sauvignon can struggle to ripen there - when it is included, it adds structure and body to the wine. Sassicaia is the most famous Bordeaux blend in Italy and has spawned many imitations, whereby the blend is now firmly established in the New World and particularly in California and  Australia.