'Consorzio per la Tutela dei vini DOC Bolgheri e DOC Bolgheri Sassicaia wines' is the Consortium officially recognized by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food, Forestry and Tourism as the only body responsible for the Promotion, Protection and Management of the two denominations concerned. The Consortium was founded in January of 1995. In 2014 the Consortium obtained the highest level of recognition from the Ministry, receiving the assignment to operate erga omnes, i.e. towards all producers.
Today, in 2020, the Consortium is made up of 60 producers whose vineyards represent over 97% of the total. Almost all the companies in the territory carry out all the production phases, from the vineyard to bottling.
The production of Bolgheri DOC wines is allowed in a defined area surrounding Castagneto Carducci, in the province of Livorno (Leghorn). It is a natural theater, where the Metalliferous Hills represent the steps to the East, descending towards the beautiful Tuscan coast. The hilly areas are mostly covered by woods, creating a complex ecosystem. The flatter area where most of the vineyards grow is the 'arena', while the 'stage' is most definitely the Sea, and the Tuscan archipelago. The position of the Bolgheri 'theater' gifts the area with a unique and characteristic microclimate. The winds, especially those that come from the sea channeled by the Tuscan Archipelago, refresh the area for most of the year, and also have a very important effect on the plants, as they limit the presence of moisture in the vineyards and therefore all the risks of disease.
Bolgheri reds are usually based on Cabernet (Sauvignon and Franc) and Merlot blends, often accompanied by Syrah, Petit Verdot and in rare cases by Sangiovese. In recent years there has also been an increase in the number of companies producing monovarietal wines with one of the three main grapes. The scents are characterized by ripe and sweet black fruits with balsamic notes of Mediterranean maquis, characteristic of the Bolgheri terroir. On the palate it strikes roundness and softness, the sweetness of the fruit present in the mouth is always well enlivened by the freshness of the acidic component, and the dense and silky tannic texture, with a long finish. There is often a savory note that doesn’t fail to remind of the presence of the sea. Despite its strong structure, all wines are balanced and round. These are wines of great pleasantness and drinkability, soft, elegant and mature, but not too demanding.