Caccia al Piano, Grottaia Vermentino 2022

The grapes, harvested by hand in small 15 kg boxes, were placed intact in the press where they underwent a soft pressing. The must obtained, transferred to stainless steel, underwent alcoholic fermentation at a controlled temperature of 12/14°C for two weeks. Finally, the wine was aged on its own yeasts for a few months before bottling, which takes place in the spring following the harvest.

Caccia al Piano is a recent arrival in Bolgheri. Purchased in 2003 by Franco Ziliani, the inventor of sparkling Franciacorta, things properly got going in 2013, with serious investment in new vineyards and a cantina.

Their first ‘Super Tuscan’ was made in 2018. Most vineyards in Bolgheri are on the plain between the hills and the sea, and planting new ones in the hills is now prohibited. The jewel of the estate is an old 12-hectare vineyard, San Biagio, in the hills just below the original Sassicaia vines. Surrounded by woods, it is a magical spot, with a constant fresh breeze and, incidentally, a magnificent view. It produces fantastic grapes. The wines are divided into three categories – the estate wines in the Grottaia range, the village Bolgheri, and the grand cru Bolgheri Superiore.