Hello there! Welcome to another week of the Winespicegirl weekly highlight! This week’s event might not only be the highlight of the week, it ranks high on the yearly highlight list for sure!
Dining on the Viale dei Cipressi in Bolgheri
The Viale dei Cipressi in Bolgheri is a world famous street among wine lovers. Though the village is tiny tiny, you can drive through it in the blink of an eye, prestigious wines like Sassicaia and Ornellaia find their crib in the Bolgheri DOC. Birthplace of the Super Tuscans, the wines from this region are all but cheap and have a reputation to be the Bordeaux wines of Italy, mainly due to the use of the threesome of Bordelaise varieties Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc.
To celebrate the release of the new vintage 2021, born in a year of uncertainty and crisis – reason being the pandemic, Bolgheri DOC organized a modest dinner for a thousand people. The one kilometer long table stretched as long as the entire Viale and was stunningly dressed with centerpieces, candles, wine glasses and more. A sight so beautiful it felt like stepping into a fairytale!
When evening came, the lights went on and shined purple and green light on the cipresses, turning the scenery into a magical dream world. Wait, with all this splendor I almost forget about the wines. Attending this event was a great way to have the opportunity to taste a variety of Bolgheri wines.
Bolgheri wines
For what I was able to taste I can say that Bolgheri wines are beautifully versatile because of the variety of grapes that are allowed in the DOC. Besides blends of the Bordeaux trio you find wines blended with San Giovese, Petit Verdot and Syrah. A Bolgheri wine of 100% Cabernet Sauvignon is very different from a blend that leans on San Giovese. They find each other in the expression of the terroir. Bolgheri wines are full bodied, balsamic, have a savory note and firm tannic structure. To be enjoyed with the many delicious local dishes you find in Tuscany. Learn more about Bolgheri wines on the website of the Consorzio.
