Tenuta Meraviglia, `Maestro di Cava` Bolgheri Superiore
Vintage: 2020
| Vintage | Product Code | Format | Closure | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | TM302B20 | 6 x 75 | Natural Cork | Available |
Producer
Tenuta Meraviglia comprises 30 hectares of vineyards at the southernmost end of the Bolgheri denomination. Planted primarily with Cabernet Franc, these certified organic vines are on an impressive plateau at 150 metres above sea level, surrounded by woodlands and boasting a splendid view of the Tyrrhenian Sea, the Tuscan Archipelago and Corsica. The soils here are of volcanic origin, containing an abundance of rhyolite, a rock used extensively in the past for buildings. Just below the plateau is a disused quarry, that once contained rhyolite, currently hidden by a dense forest. Plans are afoot to use it to house the new winery that Tenuta Meraviglia are planning to build.
The estate was purchased in 2016 by Alejandro Bulgheroni and is run by the same team that has made such a success of his Dievole estate in Chianti. Lorenzo Bernini oversees viticulture and winemaking, working alongside renowned winemaker and consultant Alberto Antonini. The Tenuta Meraviglia wines are fermented with indigenous yeasts in cement and aged in large, untoasted French oak barrels to best express their vineyards. This is an unconventional approach in Bolgheri, where winemakers have historically favoured a higher percentage of new oak and smaller barrel formats (notably barrique).
The two wines we list are made solely from Cabernet Franc, which thrives at this estate. The Bolgheri Rosso is fermented in cement tanks, followed by a short period ageing in large French oak. It is beautifully expressive with strong varietal character and impressive purity. The ‘Maestro di Cava’ is made from a selection of the estate’s best Cabernet Franc. Released later, after a longer period of oak ageing, it has a lovely tobacco leaf character typical of the best wines made from this variety in Bolgheri. Both wines are clear signs that a new star is rising in this famed region.
Vineyards
Maestro di Cava is made from a selection of the very best Cabernet Franc sourced from 30 hectares cultivated organically. The vineyards are located at 150 metres above sea level with south-west exposure. The soil is of volcanic origin, rich in minerals and stones. The vines are 20 years old on average and trained in the Guyot system.
Vintage
The 2020 vintage began with a mild winter and good rainfall providing sufficient water reserves in the soils.. March was marked by some frost at the end of the month. Summer was fairly dry and warm enough to concentrate the grapes well. Overall, this particular year produced excellent quality wines.
Vinification
Fermentation occurred naturally in truncated tapered unrefined concrete vats with indigenous yeasts at a controlled temperature between 26-28°C with some soft pump overs. After about 20 days of fermentation, the wine was racked into large, untoasted French oak barrels, where it remained for 24 months prior to bottling. It was then kept in bottle for three months before release.
Tasting Notes & Technical Details
Deep ruby red with violet hints. This wine has expressive aromas of dark fruit and graphite on the nose followed by vegetal and savoury notes. On the palate, it is full-bodied and rich, with concentrated ripe black fruit flavours, fine tannins, and a persistent finish.
Alcohol (ABV)
14%
Other wines from this producer
Producer | Wine | Product Code | Features | Style | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tenuta Meraviglia | Bolgheri Rosso | TM301 | R | Factsheet |