Winemaker Notes
It is the Sangiovese selection of the estate vineyards, harvested at full ripening. It is fermented in 30 hl oak open vats and maceration is completed with soft manual submersions of the cap and one pumping over procedure per day. In the vineyards great care is given plant by plant, following each plant’s productive balance to express the best qualities of this grape, the symbol of Tuscany, for its elegance and nobility.
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
Toeing the line between flinty and mossy, the nose intrigues with its earth tones and umami depth before opening onto a palate of just barely ripened Rainier cherries outlined by unrelenting tannins and acidity that will make for even better drinking in 2033.
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James Suckling
Aromas of sliced cherries and flowers with some sandalwood. Medium body with orange peel and cherry flavor, and integrated tannins. Creamy and refined. 100% sangiovese. Best after 2025.
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Vinous
The 2020 Cavaliere (Sangiovese) is gorgeous. Bright and effusive, with lovely transparency, Cavaliere shows how compelling Sangiovese can be on the coast if handled expertly. Crushed flowers, sweet red berry fruit, spice, mint and a hint of orange zest are nicely delineated in this classy, mid-weight offering.
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Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
Michele Satta, one of Tuscany's top stars, The 2020 Michele Satta Toscana Cavaliere is a superb wine showing aromas and flavors of sundried rocks, subtle black fruits, and dried herbs. Enjoy it with a well-seasoned, oven-roasted Porchetta. (Tasted: April 10, 2025, San Francisco, CA)
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Wine Spectator
A succulent, cherry- and raspberry-flavored red highlighted by lavender and Tuscan scrub aromas. Picks up earth and tobacco accents as this fades into a dusty, tannic finish. Long and reveals potential, despite the tannins, so be patient.
In 1982 Michele started his own winery, one of the first in Bolgheri, withnewly acquired vines from his previous employer. In this famous region ofTuscany, Michele rapidly earned respect and became known quickly as a vigneron. Michele even worked as a consultant for other properties in the early 1990s, including Ornellaia at which time Michele planted many of their vineyards. Michele has always been the local expert on the great terroir of Bolgheri and this is why his wines have been so well regarded in Italy.
Michele is a father of six (an example of his traditional roots), a farmer and a winemaker. He is an uncomplicated, sincere and humble man with very clear priorities; family and vines. While he is a traditionalist, he is also a non-conformist. This deferential character, when combined with a deep dedication to perfection, balance in the vineyards and great attention to detail in the cellar, produces Bolgheri wines that communicate the amazing uniqueness of this man and his terroir. Walking with giants is no easy feat, unless you are Michele Satta.
Legendary in Italy for its Renaissance art and striking landscape, Tuscany is also home to many of the country’s best red wines. Sangiovese reigns supreme here, as either the single varietal, or a dominant player, in almost all of Tuscany’s best.
A remarkable Chianti, named for its region of origin, will have a bright acidity, supple tannins and plenty of cherry fruit character. From the hills and valleys surrounding the medieval village of Montalcino, come the distinguished and age-worthy wines based on Brunello (Sangiovese). Earning global acclaim since the 1970s, the Tuscan Blends are composed solely of international grape varieties or a mix of international and Sangiovese. The wine called Vine Nobile di Montepulciano, composed of Prognolo Gentile (Sangiovese) and is recognized both for finesse and power.