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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James Suckling
A focused and compact red with aromas of raspberries, walnuts, mint, chocolate and bay leaves. It’s medium- to full-bodied with a tight tannin frame and a firm finish. Drink from 2025.
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Vinous
The 2021 Cavaliere (100% Sangiovese) is a very pretty wine that shows tons of Sangiovese character in a lighter, more perfumed style than in the past. Crushed red berry fruit, spice, mint, orange peel and a touch of whole-cluster savoriness from the 30% stems all meld together. Aging in cement further enhances freshness and vitality. Sangiovese is not especially suited to Bolgheri, but it works quite well here.
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Jeb Dunnuck
Made from Sangiovese with 30% whole clusters and raised for 12 months in cement, the 2021 Cavaliere is medium ruby-colored and offers up a nice bouquet with a delicate rustic touch to its notes of red cherry, turned soil, and fresh Mediterranean herbs. Medium-bodied, this vintage has a lovely, snappy structure. (I had a bottle of the 2019 on the same trip over dinner, and it was more rounded and gamey.) As this 2021 ages, it’s probably going to lean into the iron richness that these wines take on, but I like it now, and it certainly has room to improve over the next several years. Drink 2024-2030.
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.