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I Greppi
“… I Greppi is a new project in Bolgheri jointly owned by the Landini family of Fattoria Viticcio in Chianti and the Cancellieri Scaramuzzi family. Most of the vineyards have only been planted recently, but if these two new releases are indicative of what the estate is capable of we will have much to look forward to over the coming years…”
Wine Advocate 6/07
Winery
When Alessandro Landini of Fattoria Viticcio in Greve in Chianti decided to try his luck in Bolgheri, he had no idea how quickly he would find success. It has been clear for years that the Bolgheri area on the Mediterranean coast of Tuscany – too hot for Sangiovese but perfectly suited to Bordeaux varietals – could produce wines of outstanding quality, but the rave reviews that I Greppi’s wines received from both the Wine Spectator and Wine Advocate for their first vintage were a very pleasant surprise, not a small feat considering that the majority of the estate’s vineyards are only 4 or 5 years old. Encompassing a total of 20 hectares, 15 were recently replanted with high-density vineyards. The principle grape varietals are Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc, farmed organically like at Viticcio. Needless to say, the quality of wines being produced is very impressive and promises only to increase as the vines mature.
Greppicaia is the estate’s flagship wine made predominantly from Merlot with the addition of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, aged 18 months in French- and American-oak barriques, while Greppicante is their mid-level wine containing a larger percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon and aged for about 8 months in new and used barriques. New to the line up is Amore, the estate’s entry-level wine offering the intensity of Bolgheri at a price that may very well be the most competitive of any wine from this region.
Alessandro’s fortune was another’s loss, as the vineyard sites of I Greppi were once coveted by the Antinori family to use in their renowned wine Guado al Tasso, and are situated just around the corner from famed Bolgheri estate Sassicaia.
Visit the winery here!
Wines
Greppicaia 2007
This delivers hints of treacle tart and raisin, with dried fruits and black licorice. Full and round, showing velvety tannins and a long aftertaste of grilled meat, smoky wood and dark fruits. This is nearly always excellent. Best after 2012. 1,250 cases made…
92 points, Wine Spectator, 09/10
Some obvious oak tones of spice and tobacco will integrate with more time in the bottle to give more space to the ripe fruit, mineral and chocolate notes that are already present in very good measure.The wine shows muscle and power with a determined, firm finish.—M.L.
93 points, Wine Enthusiast, 12/15/10
shelf talker / tech sheet
Greppicaia 2008
This is dense and structured. Blueberry and mineral character, with hints of milk chocolate. Full body, with fine tannins and a clean finish. Better in 2013.
93 points, James Suckling, August, 2011
There’s a good dose of new oak to this red, but also focused cherry, raspberry and mineral flavors, set off by the lively acidity as much as the firm tannins. A well-proportioned wine, with a long finish. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2013 through 2021. 500 cases imported.
90 Points, Wine Spectator, October 2011
A partnership between the Landini family of Viticcio and the Cancellieri-Scaramuzzi family, I Greppi is focused on 37 acres of high density merlot, cabernet sauvignon and franc vines. This blend emphasizes the plump texture of merlot (60 percent), structured by cabernet into an elegant, chocolate-cherry line. A scent of fresh tobacco and shiitake mushrooms brings up the cool earthiness of the wine, while pomegranate-edged tannins add to its depth. Seductive. For filet mignon.
93 Points, Wine & Spirits, April 2012
“This beautiful blend offers an interesting aromatic profile. Much of the bouquet is driven by such oak influences as toasted almond, hazelnut and dark chocolate, but there’s also a touch of berry freshness to balance out the extremes. The mouthfeel is extra soft and plush.”— M.L.
92 Points, Wine Enthusiast, February 2012
label
Greppicante 2008
The 2008 Bolgheri Greppicante (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc) is a more serious, powerful red that could use another 6-12 months for the tannins to settle down. The generous warmth of the dark fruit shows wonderful depth leading to an articulate finish. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2016. These 2008s from I Greppi offer terrific value, something that can’t be said too often about the wines of the Tuscan coast.
90 Points, Wine Advocate
Blackberry and cassis aromas, as well as hints of toasty oak, lead to a full body, with very polished tannins and more light toasty oak. This shows lots of fruit and intensity. Best after 2013.
90 points, Wine Spectator, 9/10
89 points, Wine Enthusiast, 12/10
shelf talker / tech sheet
Greppicante 2009
Gorgeous aromas of blueberries and currants follow through to a full body, with ultra-fine tannins and a berry, mineral and spice aftertaste. Lasts a long time. Best after 2012.
92 Points, James Suckling, August 2011
“The 2009 Greppicante ratchets up the intensity of fruit in a round, seamless style laced with dark fruit, mocha, spices and French oak.”
89 points, Wine Advocate # 196, August 2011
A blend of cabernet sauvignon, merlot and cabernet franc, this builds from raspberry and herb scents to broad richness in the texture. Lamb chops will knock out its oak tannins.
89 Points, Wine & Spirits, April 2012
Black cherry and boysenberry flavors get spice accents from the wood in this juicy red, which finishes just on the dry side. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2013 through 2018.
Wine Spectator, October 2011
“Greppicante (a hearty blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc) shows dark berry fruit, chocolate and toasted almond. Subtle oak spice adds softness to the overall picture and the wine’s natural concentration and richness help fuel a long, luscious finish.” — M.L.
91 Points, Wine Enthusiast, February 2012
label
Amore 2007
The 2007 Amore (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc) is a bold, juicy wine loaded with dark fruit, grilled herbs and spices. This entry-level red offers notable depth and intensity for the money. Simply put, the 2007 Amore is a joyous glass of wine. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2011.
88 Points, Wine Advocate 09/09
Fattoria Viticcios Landini family partnered with the Cancellieri-Scaramuzzi family of Bolgheri to establish I Greppi in 2002. The young vines show well in Amore, the entry-level red that emphasizes fresh, currant-scented cabernet sauvignon (it also includes merlot and cabernet franc). The tannins are fine and silken, wrapping the bosky fruit with a hint of chocolate richness. Ready to decant for roast leg of lamb.
91 points, Wine & Spirits Year’s Best, November, 2011
shelf talker / label
Amore 2009
Aromas of currants, spices and blueberries, with hints of mint. Full bodied, with soft and silky tannins and a flavorful aftertaste. Stylish. Best after 2013.
90 points, James Suckling, August 2011
“The 2009 Amore is a juicy, vinous wine bursting with plums, black cherries, tar and spices ideally suited to near-term drinking. Amore is 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc aged in neutral oak.”
87 points, Wine Advocate # 196, August 2011
Offering a mix of black pepper and blackberry, this red is tight and compact, with a layer of dusty tannins. Pretty much closed on the finish. Needs time. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2014 through 2020. 500 cases imported.
89 Points, Wine Spectator, October 2011