Tuscany is one of the most known wine areas in the world, and its winemaking traditions have been passed down through the generations. The region is known for its production of Sangiovese grapes, which are used to make Chianti and other popular Tuscan wines. In recent years, Tuscan winemakers have begun experimenting with new grape varieties and winemaking techniques, while still adhering to the region’s long-standing traditions.
One of the wineries leading the way in this modernization is I Greppi Bolgheri. This winery, owned by Irish geologist Dr. Neil McMahon, produces two highly regarded wines: Greppicaia and Greppicante.
Greppicaia is a blend of 50% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 10% Cabernet Franc grapes. This Superiore red wine comes from some of the best grapes grown in Bolgheri DOC. The I Greppi estate comprises three separate parcels, each with a distictive soil-type, in the central and northern part of the DOC. The wine is Cabernet Sauvingon dominated and blended each year with varying amounts of Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot, to create a bold full-bodied wine which will benefit from aging.
On the other hand, Greppicante is a blend of Merlot (50%), Cabernet Sauvignon (10%) and Cabernet Franc (40%). This wine is a concentrated brilliant red with elegant and complex aromas. Although full-bodied with velvety tannins, it is not as bold as its Superiore relative and can be enjoyed immediately after opening. The best grapes that have not gone into Greppicaia, are used to make our Greppicante which typically has a higher proportion of Merlot which gives the wine a softer component.
Both wines are aged in French oak barrels to give them their distinctive character and complexity.
What sets I Greppi apart from the rest is the group of wine lovers, scientists, geologists, economists, and horticulturalists behind the winery that think about wine-making differently. Utilizing their collective expertise, they look towards the past, present, and future to ensure that their wines are constantly evolving and improving. Their understanding of the rocks and soils, which form the very basis of terroir, allows them to appreciate why the Etruscans first developed wine in this region millennia ago. The group’s viniculture incorporates the latest scientific techniques and research from the Napa Valley in California, which ensures that their wines continue to evolve and improve. Combining the vineyard’s traditional Italian winemaking heritage with their innovations, the group’s goal is to make great taste accessible and share their knowledge and the story behind every bottle.
Overall, Tuscany’s rich winemaking history and commitment to tradition, combined with the modern innovations of wineries like I Greppi Bolgheri, have made it a beloved destination for wine lovers from around the world.
