Winemaker Notes
Intense red ruby color. In the nose a fruity hint of fresh plum and cherry, blending with sweet roasted cocoa notes and a hint of balsamic eucalyptus reminding the Mediterranean scrub. Soft and balanced on the palate with fruity notes. Persistent aftertaste with rich aromas and a pleasant fresh finish.
Pairs well with sliced cold meet and cheese, excellent with grilled meat, sausages and lamb.
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
Aromas of raspberries, Mission figs, mandarin blossom, espresso and dark chocolate bring a richness to the nose that continues onto a palate of raspberry jam, abundant citrus and very ripe peaches. Salinity adds a buoyancy, while substantial, textured tannins act as an anchor.
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Jeb Dunnuck
The 2023 Bolgheri Rosso is a dark purple hue and is generous and forward in the glass with boysenberry compote, candied purple flowers, blueberry, and sappy sweet herbs. A Merlot-dominated blend, it has the addition of 25% each Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Full-bodied, it has plush ripe tannins, an approachable feel, and a good finish. It’s very charming and versatile, with a very pretty feel. Drink now or over the coming 7-8 years.
With hundreds of red grape varieties to choose from, winemakers have the freedom to create a virtually endless assortment of blended red wines. In many European regions, strict laws are in place determining the set of varieties that may be used, but in the New World, experimentation is permitted and encouraged resulting in a wide variety of red wine styles. Blending can be utilized to enhance balance or create complexity, lending different layers of flavors and aromas. For example, a red wine blend variety that creates a fruity and full-bodied wine would do well combined with one that is naturally high in acidity and tannins. Sometimes small amounts of a particular variety are added to boost color or aromatics. Blending can take place before or after fermentation, with the latter, more popular option giving more control to the winemaker over the final qualities of the wine.
How to Serve Red Wine
A common piece of advice is to serve red wine at “room temperature,” but this suggestion is imprecise. After all, room temperature in January is likely to be quite different than in August, even considering the possible effect of central heating and air conditioning systems. The proper temperature to aim for is 55° F to 60° F for lighter-bodied reds and 60° F to 65° F for fuller-bodied wines.
How Long Does Red Wine Last?
Once opened and re-corked, a bottle stored in a cool, dark environment (like your fridge) will stay fresh and nicely drinkable for a day or two. There are products available that can extend that period by a couple of days. As for unopened bottles, optimal storage means keeping them on their sides in a moderately humid environment at about 57° F. Red wines stored in this manner will stay good – and possibly improve – for anywhere from one year to multiple decades. Assessing how long to hold on to a bottle is a complicated science. If you are planning long-term storage of your reds, seek the advice of a wine professional.
An outstanding wine region made famous by Marchese Mario Incisa della Rocchetta, who planted Cabernet Sauvignon vines for his own consumption in 1940s on his San Guido estate, and called the resulting wine, Sassicaia. Today the region’s Tuscan reds are based on Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, which can be made as single varietal wines or blends. The local Sangiovese can make up no more than 50% of the blends. Today Sassicaia has its own DOC designation within the Bogheri DOC appellation.