Bolgheri DOC – Birthplace of “Super Tuscan”- Meet a Next Generation Producer

Situated in the wild southern coast of Tuscany, the Bolgheri DOC is best known in the wine world as the birthplace of the “Super Tuscan” wine, thanks to innovative wine producers like Tenuta San Guido (maker of Sassicaia), Ornellaia, and Grattamacco. These producers wanted to make wines that broke rules through the strict rules and regulations of other Tuscan denominations like Montalcino, Chianti Classico and Montepulciano, which have specific varietal and aging requirements for their DOCG wines.

Bolgheri DOC landscape

In Bolgheri, the rules are more relaxed and focus more on aging requirements than what varieties may be used. Here, wines may be single varietal or blends, using both indigenous and international grapes. The result delivers “high concept wine,” which can command high prices in the marketplace. While many wine aficionados will gladly pay the price to sip their Sassicaia, it is important to underscore that “super Tuscan” is a term less about quality and price and more about a philosophy, style and approach to winemaking. There many more affordable “super Tuscan” wines to be found under $100 that are well made. This region only has about 75 producers. Many welcome visitors.

Azienda Agricola Giorgio Meletti Cavallari-

Giorgio Meletti Cavalllari grew up in Bolgheri where his father was the founder of the prestigious Podere Grattamacco wine estate, now owned by Claudio Tipa. Young Giorgio studied viticulture at the Agricultural Institute of Siena and worked in wineries in Franciacorta, Chianti and California. In 2002 at the age 24, Giorgio started his namesake winery which covers 40 hectares along the Tyrrhenian coast in the Bolgheri D.O.C.

Villa Borgeri at Azienda Agricola Giorgo Meletti Cavallari

His farmhouse, Villa Borgeri and vineyards cover 40 hectares with fossil-rich sedimentary soils. This region’s soil composition is ideal for cultivating wine grapes as well as apricots, peaches, apples, flavors we also found in some of the wines we tasted. After all, what grows together, goes together. Azienda Giorgio Meletti Cavallari is located in Castagneto Carducci. It also had an agriturismo, a renovated farmhouse with five apartments to rent just four kilometers from the sea

Giorgio Meletti Cavallari

Wines we tasted:

Borgeri Bianco 2025 IGT Toscana. A blend of Viognier (70%) and Vermentino (30%) with notes of stone fruit, apple and pear.

Borgeri Rosato 2025 DOC Bolgheri. A medium pink rosé blended with Syrah (95%) and Merlot (5%) delivering notes of cantaloupe, peach and apricot.

Borgeri Rosso 2025 DOC Bolgheri. A blend of Merlot (50%), Cabernet Sauvignon (15%) and Cabernet Franc (15%) aged in French oak. Notes of cherry, black pepper and walnuts.

Imprompte Superiore 2023 IGT Toscana. A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (70%), Cabernet Franc (30%). Aged 18 months with 50% in new oak. Notes of cherry, bell pepper and leather. We also tasted the 2022 vintage of this same wine. The name Imprompte means “fingertip.” It is a special imprint at Azienda Giorgio Meletti Cavallari that pinpoints the individuality of the winemaking approach.

Dining Nearby

During lunch at Ristorante Sole Luna in the seaside town of Castagneto Carducci near the winery, Giorgio opened a special release named Imprompte de Donna which he crafted to celebrate a special wedding anniversary with his wife. This sublime white wine blend of Vermentino and Viognier was aged 12 months in tonneau and one year in bottle. It was a beautiful pairing with our different seafood dishes. Soleluna is steps from the beach. This May afternoon, town was quiet and uncrowded, but at the height of Summer, that will change! This area is a very popular seaside destination.