Wine production in the D.O.C. Bolgheri, located in the province of Livorno, in central Italy, was regulated for the first time in 1983. At last, the rules for winemaking, which is so common in this area, were put in writing and signed on August 1 of the same year by Sandro Pertini, President of the Republic at the time. This was the beginning of this denomination’s story, which follows the borders of the municipality of Castagneto Carducci. But there was one caveat: only white and rosé wines could be produced. It wasn’t until 1994 and the first revision, which was perhaps the most important, that red wine was recognised and permitted (always using the area’s typical grape varieties, like Sangiovese). Thanks to these updates, it is now possible to enjoy great red wines from the area, like Podere Il Castellaccio Orio Bolgheri Rosso.
This red wine is produced by Podere Il Castellaccio, a company located in the heart of the denomination, which is currently dedicated to the production of oils and wines. Podere Il Castellaccio is a family business that has belonged to the Scappini family since 1960 and in 2009, it was renovated by Alessandro, the latest member of this family who is now in charge of these 15 hectares located on the Etruscan Coast, overlooking the sea. This enclave is undoubtedly an idyllic place that has obviously also been used as accommodation. This versatility is in part due to the richness of this area, abundant in resources, with sandy clay soils and a unique microclimate thanks to the sea breezes (which keep the area cool all year round) and the constant wind (which aerates the vineyards, reducing humidity levels and the risk of fungal diseases).
After the Podere Il Castellaccio Orio Bolgheri Rosso grapes have been harvested, which happens in September, the bunches arrive at the winery, which is equipped with advanced technology, and are prepared for fermentation in stainless steel tanks at a controlled temperature of 28ºC. This process, where the yeasts convert the sugar in the must into ethyl alcohol, lasts approximately 20 days. Once finished, Podere Il Castellaccio Orio Bolgheri Rosso is racked into used French oak barrels (second and third use) for a minimum of one year. During this time, malolactic fermentation will take place spontaneously, bringing unctuousness and smoothness to Podere Il Castellaccio Orio Bolgheri Rosso. Finally, Podere Il Castellaccio Orio Bolgheri Rosso spends a final 6 months in the bottle, which is what determines whether this red wine will become one of the best in the entire Italian peninsula.
Experience matters, and the winemakers in the D.O.C. Bolgheri in times gone by used to say that great wines could not be made near the sea, but now that seems to have changed, and Podere Il Castellaccio Orio Bolgheri Rosso is proof: the red wine that breaks the rules.