Grattamacco
Summary
Grattamacco, Bolgheri's second-oldest winery established in 1977 and now owned by the ColleMassari Group, cultivates primarily Bordeaux varieties across 27 hillside hectares at 100-200 meters elevation, where complex soils of clay, limestone, sandstone and volcanic elements define their Mediterranean-influenced wines. Their traditional approach includes gravity-flow winemaking, fermentation in open-top wooden vats with manual punch-downs, and certified organic practices that balance power and elegance while honoring both Bolgheri's innovative spirit and time-tested viticultural methods.
Heritage & Leadership
Grattamacco was established in 1977 by Piermario Meletti Cavallari, making it the second winery founded in Bolgheri after Tenuta San Guido. The estate occupies a historic site on a hill overlooking the Tuscan coast, where agricultural activity dates back to the Etruscan era. In 2002, ownership transferred to the ColleMassari Group, led by Maria Iris Bertarelli and her brother Claudio Tipa, who have maintained the estate's founding principles while implementing quality-focused improvements.
Under the ColleMassari Group's stewardship, Grattamacco has expanded its vineyard holdings and enhanced its winemaking facilities. Federico Staderini currently serves as the estate's winemaker, bringing his expertise in organic viticulture and minimal-intervention winemaking. The property has achieved significant recognition for its Bolgheri Superiore, which has helped establish the Bolgheri denomination as a world-class wine region beyond the pioneering Sassicaia.
Vineyards & Wines
Grattamacco's 27 hectares of vineyards sit at elevations between 100 and 200 meters above sea level in the Bolgheri DOC zone, higher than many neighboring estates. The vineyards occupy a privileged position on the hillside with southwestern exposure, benefiting from both maritime influence and the protection of hills to the east. The soils consist of a complex mix of clay, limestone, sandstone, and volcanic elements that contribute to the wines' distinctive character.
The estate grows Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sangiovese, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot for its red wines, along with Vermentino and Verdicchio for whites. The flagship wine, Grattamacco Bolgheri Superiore DOC, is produced from the estate's best parcels. Other notable wines include L'Alberello Bolgheri Superiore, Bolgheri Rosso, and a Vermentino-based white. The vineyards have been certified organic since 2010, with cultivation practices that emphasize biodiversity and soil health.
Philosophy & Practice
Grattamacco's winemaking philosophy centers on expressing the unique terroir of Bolgheri while respecting traditional Tuscan practices. The estate employs a gravity-flow system in its winery, eliminating the need for pumps and allowing gentler handling of the grapes and must. Fermentation of the red wines occurs in open-top wooden vats, with manual punch-downs to extract color and tannins.
The estate's commitment to organic viticulture, certified since 2010, extends throughout their farming practices. Cover crops between vine rows promote soil health and biodiversity, while careful canopy management ensures optimal ripening. Aging takes place primarily in French oak barrels, with the proportion of new oak and aging time calibrated for each wine. Grattamacco's approach balances respect for Bolgheri's innovative spirit with traditional techniques, resulting in wines that display both power and elegance while maintaining a clear connection to their Mediterranean origin.