Tenuta Argentiera is a real gem. Hailing from the rising-star-region of Tuscany, Bolgheri, the wine is a powerhouse, and, for what it is, a super value.

First, a bit about Bolgheri, a relatively new wine making region in Italy’s heralded Tuscany region. The first vines were planted in the 1940’s, cultivating primarily the Bordeaux grapes of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot. The region only became famous in 1968 when Sassicaia burst upon the wine scene and literally changed the trajectory of Italian wine forever. The vineyards of Bolgheri differ from the other notable sub-regions in Tuscany in two major ways: one, Bolgheri is on the coast and, two, the vineyards are about 200 feet above sea level, whereas most of the inland vineyards are at 1,200 – 1,500 feet above sea level. Both factors are significant contributors to the quality of the fruit produced in Bolgheri.

Next, a bit about Tenuta Argentiera. The property is located adjacent to Guado al Tasso and Ornellaia, and just south of Sassicaia. The land was originally owned by the Antinori family, but in 1999 brothers Currado and Marcello Fratini chose to develop vineyards here, aiming to produce high quality Cabernet- and Merlot-based wines A unique feature of the Tenuta Argentiera vineyards is that they are the highest elevation in Bolgheri, while being closest to the sea. Many in the region believe that the vineyards are among the most picturesque and pristine of any other sites in Bolgheri.

The wine is a blend of 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, and 20% Cabernet Franc aged two years in French Barrique, the “Superiore” is Argentiera’ s flagship wine.  The wine is made from the finest selection of grapes from the vineyard’s best sites.

The 2020 Tenuta Argentiera is a lovely wine, with great approachability as well as enough structure and fruit to age for many years to come.

Tasting note: dark and brooding nose with jammy black cherry and rich plummy hints. Full-bodied with moderate acidity. Well-balanced with firm, dry tannins. Massive on the palate with blackberry, rose attar and cedar notes. Elegant structure. Delicious. Long finish, tight with anise and dried herbs on the aftertaste. Simply amazing and worth all the accolades.

A note on availability… (The wine was available at Vino Italiano in Waltham. Not sure if they have any more, but just a comparison… When you look at the most famous wines of Bolgheri, Ornellaia and Sassicaia, we see prices north of $200 per bottle. The Tenuta Argentiera was on sale at Vino Italiano for $85, which was substantially lower than the lowest price on Wine-Searcher ($115). If you are interested, I strongly urge you contact David, Charles, or Gabby at Vino Italiano immediately.)