Tenuta Sette Cieli sits high above Bolgheri, 400 metres above sea level, looking down on the Tyrrhenian Sea. In contrast to the fertile plains below in Bolgheri, the soils here are chock full of rocks, and minerals, with wolves and wild boar still roving free. Originally bought as a retreat for the Ratti family, it was only planted with vines in 2001. Now with young owner Ambrogio and female winemaker Elena at the helm, Sette Cieli is producing mostly Bordeaux blends from their 7ha of vines.
'Sette Cieili' translates as 'seven skies', and is a nod to the amazing views and huge diversity of terroir in the area. The best sites here have stony soils, and have the moderating influences of cool breezes and cool nights. The terroir is the envy of every producer who has flocked to Bolgheri to make their fortune. Since the mid-nineties, when these wines really became famous, there has been a scramble to acquire plots of the best stony hillside land. It's here, above the sandy plain that stretches out to the coast (which is great for growing tomatoes but not so good for grapes) that the wines take on a magical finesse and structure that has put them on a par with top Bordeaux and Californians.
These wines show remarkable complexity and nuance, especially compared with some of the region’s other producers. These are powerful wines, but not monolithic by any means. We expect these to get even better as the years go by. For instant toe-tingling delight try their Cabernet Merlot blend Yantra, alternatively ramp up the volume with estate wine Indaco where the added touch of Malbec adds a scrumptious savoury edge. Blind taste these against any Bordeaux twice their price and you are bound to be impressed. Go on. We dare you.
