Varvara Bolgheri DOC

 

A little Bolgheri history.  First mentioned in 1075, in a papal bull by Pope Gregory VII, its name derives from Bulgari (Italian for "Bulgarians"), due to the presence of a military camp of Bulgarians, allies of the Lombards.  Bolgheri lies in the foothills of the Colline Metallifere, south of Bibbona.

Bolgheri DOC

The current set of DOC regulations for Bolgheri red wines became approved in 1994. Before the creation of this DOC, the "Super Tuscans" from the area were typically sold under the simpler designations Vino da tavola or IGT Toscana.

The appellation rules determine that in Bolgheri Rosso and Bolgheri Rosé, Sangiovese may be utilized only to a degree of 70%, and in excess of this a wine must be classified IGT. Cabernet Sauvignon from 10 to 80%, Merlot, up to 80% and other local red varieties, up to 30%. Rosso must be aged for 24 months.

Ok, now let’s talk about this amazing wine!

Varvara Bolgheri The cellar, built in 1796, is located in the middle of the town of Bolgheri.  The origin of the cellar is rooted in the ancient story of the della Gherardesca family. Since the mid-nineties Federico Zileri Dal Verme has taken over the family tradition, with the goal to produce wines that represent the highest expression of Bolgheri's terroir, in terms of complexity, elegance and longevity.

Against the backdrop of a 16th century Tuscan castle sits a quiet vineyard. The grapes grown here make the Castello di Bolgheri wines, part of the Super Tuscan collection.

These reds began their ascent post WWII, when marquis Mario Incisa della Rocchetta first planted hectares of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc on Italy’s northern coast. In 1994, the reds of this region, known for their intense ruby color and great aging potential, earned DOC certification. A year later, a consortium was formed to protect Bolgheri DOC wines.

The wines of Castello di Bolgheri are a selection of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot from the best DOC vineyards surrounding the castle. The Bolgheri castle, still owned by the same family, is situated between the world-famous Ornellaia and Sassicaia wineries.

The wine remains in contact with skins for 25 to 30 days before being stored for 20 months in a castle cellar dating back to the latter 1700s. This meticulous attention to wine production is why Castello di Bolgheri consistently earns rave reviews from wine judges around the world

This wine you can begin to smell right as the cork is pulled!  Dark purple in the glass, the aroma simply takes over Blackberry, Spice, Oak, and Leather.

Then you take that first sip. It has full body, with medium acidity. On the savory and slightly fruity palate, velvety tannins support blackberry jam, plum, black currant, black cherry, tobacco, star anise, clove, and nutmeg flavors with just hints of black licorice and oak. 

This is one of the best wines I’ve had in 5 years!  Buy this one for sure.

Cost was  $45.00

 

Cheers,

The Village Wino

 

All wines available at Two Old Hags wine shop in Leesburg.  Unless otherwise noted