Italy Deep Dive: Bolgheri, Wednesday 12th June 2024

Bolgheri perhaps represents one of the greatest success stories of any wine region to have emerged in the last century. From an area initially considered unsuitable for high-quality agriculture, let alone top-level viticulture, the first forays of winemakers in the area were not always widely well received. Yet due to the perseverance and desire to innovate from their makers, the wines of western coastal Tuscany have progressed from their lowly vino da tavola (table wine) status, to having their own prestigious DOC titles. Indeed, some of these wines are now among the most consistently high quality in Italy and are sought after the world over. 

Join Italian wine specialist, Michael Dabbs, for a two-hour masterclass taking a deeper look into the wines of this fascinating region. You will first encounter brilliant wines from the slightly lesser-known producers: Grattamacco, Argentiera and Le Macchiole. However, the main focus of the tasting will be on the greatest names of Bolgheri and their flagship wines: Ornellaia from Tenuta dell’Ornellaia and Sassicaia from Tenuta San Guido. 

The evening will conclude with a mini-vertical of Sassicaia including a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to try the hallowed 1985 vintage. This particular bottling was the first that captured the attention of the American wine critic, Robert Parker Jr, who described it as “unquestionably one of the most compelling and dramatic Cabernet Sauvignons” he had ever tasted and has bestowed it with a perfect 100-point score on more than one occasion. Arguably, it is this specific wine that sealed Bolgheri’s fate in becoming one of the most coveted wine regions and opportunities to try it are exceptionally rare. This is a tasting simply not to be missed! 

Only 12 tickets are available for this tasting and purchases will be strictly restricted to 2 per transaction – groups of more than 2 will not be permitted. 

Wines to be tasted: 

Apéritif: 2021 Bolgheri, Vermentino, Grattamacco 

2020 Grattamacco, Bolgheri Superiore 

2020 Argentiera, Bolgheri Superiore 

2017 Paleo, Le Macchiole 

2019 Messorio, Le Macchiole 

2013 Ornellaia, Bolgheri Superiore 

2013 Sassicaia, Tenuta San Guido, Bolgheri Sassicaia 

2010 Sassicaia, Tenuta San Guido, Bolgheri Sassicaia 

1985 Sassicaia, Tenuta San Guido, Bolgheri Sassicaia 

Dress code: smart casual