Bolgheri
Once upon a time, in a sleepy village nestled in the Maremma region (at the coast of Tuscany), stood a small piece of stony land owned by the family of the young Marchese Mario Incisa della Rochetta's wife, located just ten kilometers from the sea. While studying agriculture in Pisa, the Marchese harbored dreams of crafting a noble wine akin to the renowned Bordeaux estates, inspired by his grandfather's writings on grape varieties.
After World War II, in 1948, he bravely planted Cabernet Sauvignon on the rocky hill below Castiglioncello Castle, far from recognized wine-growing areas. For years, the wine remained for personal consumption, with reserved boxes to monitor its development. Encouraged by his son Nicolò and nephew Piero Antinori, the Marchese finally decided to introduce his creation to the market. Thus, in 1968, Sassicaia emerged, named after its stony terroir, causing a sensation in Italy and earning international acclaim.
The rise of the Supertuscans began, attracting attention and investment to the region. Although initially labeled as table wine due to non-compliance with DOC regulations, they soon gained recognition worldwide, leading to the creation of the IGT category to acknowledge their controlled origins.
In 1994, Bolgheri gained DOC status, with Tenuta San Guido becoming the first and only winery to boast its own DOC Bolgheri-Sassicaia in 2013. Over time, numerous esteemed wineries joined the landscape, such as Ornellaia under Frescobaldi's ownership since 2005, expanding Bolgheri's vineyards from 200 hectares to over 1,200 hectares, yielding approximately 4.8 million liters of high-quality wine.
Bolgheri itself is a quaint, small village that can be easily explored on foot within 20 minutes. Despite its size, it boasts numerous charms, exuding a typical Italian ambiance that becomes especially cozy as the sun sets, with charming squares illuminated by inviting terraces. For a delightful dining experience, be sure to visit La Taverna del Pittore, a wonderful restaurant worth trying if time allows. As a tip, consider visiting outside the peak tourist season to avoid crowds and fully appreciate the village's tranquility.
