| Producer | Castello di Bolgheri |
| Country | Italy |
| Region | Tuscany |
| Subregion | Bolgheri |
| Varietal | Bordeaux Blend |
| Vintage | 2021 |
| Sku | 16402 |
| Size | 750ml |
The Castello di Bolgheri, established in 1796, boasts the oldest winery in the region and is uniquely situated within the medieval village of Bolgheri. Despite its historical significance, it was only in 1996, under Conte Federico Zileri Dal Verme's vision, that the winery began producing and bottling its own wines, achieving exceptional results.
Federico hails from the noble Della Gherardesca family, long-time landowners in Bolgheri. The estate was divided among his mother and her two sisters during a familial transition. One sister's marriage led to the creation of Tenuta San Guido and Sassicaia; another joined the Antinori family, giving rise to Masseto and Ornellaia. Federico's mother, Franca Spalletti Trivelli, inherited land strategically located between these renowned estates. Initially, she sold grapes to her sisters, but in the mid-1990s, Federico assumed control and began to harness the land's potential. Castello di Bolgheri's 60 hectares of prime vineyards, predominantly planted with Cabernet Sauvignon, lie alongside the esteemed Viale dei Cipressi, sharing terroir with the area's iconic producers.
The winery's production, managed by head winemaker Alessandro Dondi, is limited to just 25,000 bottles of Castello di Bolgheri and their second label Vavara annually. This rarity and the compelling backstory make these wines particularly precious in the fine wine landscape. Given their familial ties and exceptional terroir, Castello di Bolgheri's wines offer both superb drinking pleasure and potential for cellar investment. They stand as some of Bolgheri's finest, characterized by complexity, power, elegance, and an impressive aging potential.
Displaying a saturated magenta/purple color, the 2021 Varvara is 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc, and the rest Petit Verdot. A lush cologne lifts from the glass, with notes of polished leather, blackcurrant, sour cherry, menthol, and rosewater. Full-bodied, it offers refined tannins, a rounded mouthfeel, and a well-balanced evenness through a rather long finish. It has a lot of elegance and is already showing beautifully.
This red is all about balance and texture, creating an ideal foil for its black currant, black cherry, licorice, rosemary and iron aromas and flavors. Refined tannins lend grip on the lingering aftertaste. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Best from 2025 through 2038.
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