Renowned wine critic James Suckling, along with his colleague Aldo Fiordelli, recently revisited the Bolgheri region in Tuscany, where they sampled nearly 200 wines, primarily from the 2021 and 2022 vintages. Suckling reflects on his first visit to Bolgheri 38 years ago, praising the region’s unique climate and position near the Mediterranean Sea, which influences the cool and herbaceous character of its red wines.
During their tastings, Suckling and Fiordelli noted a shift towards earlier-drinking yet structured red wines in Bolgheri, with winemakers experimenting with different fermentation and aging techniques to create transparent and refined wines. The 2021 vintage received high praise for its sleek palate and blue fruit notes, while the 2022 harvest, although hotter and earlier, surprised with its freshness and lower alcohol levels.
In addition to their focus on red wines, Suckling and Fiordelli highlighted the quality of Bolgheri’s white wines, particularly those made from the vermentino grape variety. Vermentino wines from Bolgheri were noted for their depth, intensity, and structure, with some likened to top whites from the Northern Rhône.
Despite the quality of wines produced in Bolgheri, Suckling points out that the region lacks the brand power and recognition of other Italian wine appellations. However, he believes that continued focus on drinkability and local character will help raise the profile of Bolgheri wines on the global stage.
Suckling also selected some of the best bottles from Bolgheri, including wines from Argentiera, Ornellaia, Masseto, and Tenuta San Guido, with ratings ranging from 97 to 99 points. These exceptional wines showcase the diversity and quality of the offerings from this unique Tuscan region.
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