Argentiera: Bolgheri, from Bordeaux blends to Vermentino

Top Tuscan coastal wines

The explosive success of the small Tuscan coastal DOC of Bolgheri stems from the remarkable affinity between Bordeaux grape varieties and Tuscan soils. Uncorked is delighted to be importing one of the stars of the area: Argentiera were founded in 1999, and since then have grown into one of Bolgheri's reference estates alongside Sassicaia, Ornellaia, Guado al Tasso and Ca'Marcanda. The estate comprises 85 hectares of vines at the very southern tip of the appellation, on vineyards which are among the highest of any Bolgheri producer.

Their Merlot is mostly planted on north-facing sites (to restrain its generosity) while Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc are planted on south and south-west facing sites (to encourage ripeness). Argentiera makes several Bordeaux-style blends. From lower-lying, sandy soils, Poggio ai Ginepri is more forward and approachable. From higher, sand-and-rock soils, Villa Donoratico is more structured. The Bolgheri Superiore is the most serious blend of all, from a steep, sweeping site where the soils are a mix of marl, shale and limestone.

Ventaglio is something else, a true, top-end SuperTuscan (priced to match). No blend, it is 100% Cabernet Franc, and Uncorked has never come across such a deliriously well-defined Cabernet Franc outside France; tasting the 2019 took us straight back to the tasting room at Vieux Chateau Certan. Vinification for all the reds takes place in a mix of steel and concrete, then the wines are raised in a variety of wood formats; the barrel cellars contain barriques, tonneaux and 3000-litre casks.

Argentiera also makes excellent whites. Eco de Mare is a salty, citrus-driven Vermentino, the kind of wine that demands a plate of fish and (optionally) being on the seaside in Tuscany. Scenario Bolgheri Bianco is a more serious, textured Vermentino with the structure to support ageing. It is fermented and aged in a mix of cigar-shaped casks and ceramic amphorae, with 9 months ageing on the lees. We'll have a selection of Argentiera wines on free tasting this Thursday, from noon to 6:30. Hope to see you there. /NT

Offered subject to remaining unsold. Wines available immediately.To place an order, click on the wines below or call 020 7638 5998