Posted By Joel on November 2, 2009

Michele Satta Bolgheri Rosso 2006, DOC
Michele Satta Diambra Rosso 2007, IGT
Michele Satta Costa di Giulia 2007, IGT

Before Bolgheri, the coastal wine region of Tuscany in Italy, became famous for its wines, it was famous for its boulevard of historic cypress trees,  the *Viale dei Cipressi, immortalized in the poetry of Giosue Carducci who lived in Bolgheri between 1838-1848.

Helping to make the wines of Bolgheri famous to lovers of Italian wine is Michele Satta.  Satta, one of a group of elite Bolgheri wine producers, has proven to be the classic “switch hitter”, capable of moving with agility from career beginnings in agricultural management to professional life as a successful wine producer.  Located in the area of Castagneto Carducci, the Michele Satta estate comprises about 25 hectares of vineyard planted to the likes of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sangiovese, Syrah, Vermentino, and Sauvignon Blanc to name a few, varietals that seem to have adapted incredibly well in Bolgheri and give classic expression to Bolgheri wines.

Michele Satta’s Bolgheri Rosso 2006 is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon 30%, Merlot 30%, Sangiovese 30%, and Syrah 10% grown in soil of good exposure and rich in minerals.  Only the best matured grapes are hand selected for Satta’s Bolgheri Rosso from high density vineyards (6.200+ plants/ha).  No artificial yeasts are used in conducting the fermentation and contact with skins is allowed for 3 weeks or so.  The wine is bottled unfiltered after 12 months ageing in barrique (Satta has expanded cellaring capabilities, having dug into hill and rock to acommodate space requirements for barrique ageing.)

Tasting Notes / Impressions:

The wine’s deep, rather intense ruby red color signals the wonderfully vivid aromatics of red and black fruit to come, showing hints of tobacco, saddle leather and spice.  Fresh red and black fruits follow through to the palate, full of life and easy to drink with good acidity and nicely integrated oak.  Enough backbone to stand up to rich foods and a smooth, fruity finish sporting velvety tannins that leave you wanting for more.

Food Pairing Suggestions:

Meats:  beef, veal chops, or lamb - try beef as a first choice;  Pasta:  dressed in rich meat sauces;  Cheeses:  fresh cheeses;  TRY this wine with international dishes such as Asian / Thai spicy noodles or mild-medium spiced Indian lamb dishes.

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Michele Satta Diambra Rosso 2007

Satta’s Diambra Rosso 2007 sits on a varietal foundation of Sangiovese 70%, the remaining 30% being Cabernet, Merlot, Syrah and allowable others. Fermentation / maceration is drawn out over three weeks time with the usual pumping over activities. After malolactic, the wine spends 6 months in wood before bottling.

Tasting Notes / Impressions:

Pretty cerulean blues refract around a deep ruby core while scents of ripe berries, undertones of scrub pine and cedar catch my attention as I look on. The wine has a big, round, soft presence on the palate with flavors of red and black fruit, herbs, and a hint of almond. Soft, but very present tannins and good acidity give definition. Nice all round balance and a lively, clean finish.

Food Pairing Suggestions:

Meats: aged beef, roast beef, bison steaks or ground bison “burgers”, grilled pork or chicken; Pasta: sauced conservatively with meat sauces, especially that contain a bit of cream; Cheese: young Pecorino, brie, camembert, ricotta salata; Cured Meats: mortadella with pistachio, prosciutto

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Michele Satta Costa di Giulia 2007 IGT

After beginning life as 100% Vermentino, Satta’s Costa di Giulia is now made from 65% Vermentino and 35% of the Sauvignon he planted in 1995 - testimony to Satta’s conviction that Bolgheri is capable of producing great white wines as well as reds.

Super care and attention is given in the vineyard with work being carried out by hand. Afterward controlled temperature fermentation is followed by malolactic, then bottling in February.

Tasting Notes / Impressions:

A sunny, amber-gold color seems to lend the right spirit to the wine’s vivacious nose composed of peachy, floral tones. Peach follows onto the palate, along with a suggestion of grapefruit and a delicious note of mineral sea salt. Good weight and structure - all curves, no angles. Long on the finish, and balancing a rather appealing, slightly bitter herbiness with delicious, sweet fruit.

Food Pairing Suggestions:

Seafood, grilled fish and grilled vegetables are in the sweet spot for foods to pair well with this wine. Especially try: Appetizer of stuffed artichoke (breadcrumbs, garlic, pecorino, parsley) or a cool, crab meat salad; Spaghetti with lobster (or crab) in a light red sauce; Seafood stew like Bouillabaisse or a Risotto “frutti di mare”.
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*Viale dei Cipressi photo from Wikipedia, where you can see it and read more about Viale dei Cipressi: http://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Viale_dei_Cipressi

Categories: $ (Under $25), $$ ($25-$50), Bolgheri, Featured Producers, Tuscany, Uncategorized, Wine
Tags: Cabernet, Merlot, Sangiovese, Sauvignon, Syrah, Vermentino