Tenuta Sette Cieli – Intense wines from Bolgheri

Wines gifted by: Tenuta Sette Cieli

In 2024, I discovered many interesting wines and wineries. Two special wines that particularly stood out to me were Tenuta Sette Cieli’s Indaco and Scipio. What are these wines and why did they stand out to me from 2024?

Tenuta Sette Cieli is a small boutique winery located between Bolgheri and Castagneto Carducci, on the coast of Tuscany at 400 meters above the sea level.

I got to know this wonderful winery and two of their wines during a remote tasting organized by Studio Cru, where winemaker Elena Pozzolini shared insights about the wines of Tenuta Sette Cieli and their philosophy.

History – From silk fabrics to wines

Tenuta Sette Cieli was founded in 1998 by Erika Ratti, whose father Antonio, was one of the most prominent figures in the Italian design and fabric industry. In 2001, the first vineyards were planted on the terraces, 400 meters above sea level. The high location is crucial, as it helps preserve the wine’s acidity and allows the grapes ripen properly due to the daily temperature variations. Over time, more vines were planted, and currently Tenuta Sette Cieli has a total of 120 hectares of land, of which 18.5 are vineyards.

Today, the winery is managed by Erika’s son Ambrogio Cremona Ratti, and winemaker Elena Pozzolini. Ambrogio has been a strong advocate for further investment in Bolgheri. In August 2018, the winery purchased 32 hectares of land with five hectares allocated for viticulture.

Terroir – Microclimate plays a key role

The unique area is characterized by a microclimate created by the hills surrounding the Mediterranean Sea. The soil composition varies with altitude, adding the complexity of the wines. Elena Pozzolini oversees production, representing the new generation of winemakers transforming the region’s image. According to Elena, their philosophy is to make balanced wine. The vineyards are farmed organically and entirely by hand.

Wines – Indaco and Scipio

We tasted two wines: Indaco and Scipio, both from the 2019 vintage. The year 2019 experienced highly variable weather, and the harvest period was notably cooler.

Indaco 2019 is a blended wine, made form hand-harvested Malbec (34 %), Cabernet Sauvignon (33 %) and Merlot (33 %) grapes. Malbec, an interesting and rare variety in this region, adds softness to Indaco. The wine has aged for 18 months in French oak. Nose of red and black fruits and spiciness. On the palate, it is rich with flavors of dark cherry and plum. The intense acidity adds character to the wine, leading to a long aftertaste.

Scipio 2019 is made from hand-harvested Cabernet Franc grapes. The wine has been fermented in stainless steel tanks with indigenous yeasts. Skin contact maceration last roughly 25 days. After alcoholic fermentation, malolactic fermentation occurs in barrels. The wine is then aged for 24 months in French oak barrels (40% new). Five different Cabernet Francs from various soils are used to make Scipio. Originally from Bordeaux, Cabernet Franc is a very sensitive variety.

Scipio 2019 has a beautiful deep ruby colour with a hint of garnet. The nose offers aromas of black cherry, blackberry and pepper. On the palate, it is complex with flavors of black fruits and spiciness leading to an elegant and long aftertaste.

I liked both wines immensely. They are elegant with very intense acidity. These wines will definitely age beautifully if you have the patience not to open them. You can read more about Tenuta Sette Cieli on their website.