92 Points, Parker’s Wine Advocate
Here is a new submission from Federico Zileri Dal Verme of Castello di Bolgheri. A 75% Sangiovese, 15% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon Super Tuscan with an elegant blue and yellow label. It shows soft ripeness, sun-sweetened blackberry and baked cherry. It’s an easy-drinking blend that comes the vineyards of the Poggio a Poppiano estate, on the hills of Montespertoli (Florence), though all the grapes are processed at the winery in Bolgheri.
Sometimes the greatest values come from producers who make the big names. While collectors fight over Sassicaia and Ornellaia, true insiders know to look right next door – to Castello di Bolgheri, whose vineyards are so good that Sassicaia uses their grapes in their own second wine, the Guidalberto.
2021 was a banner vintage for Castello di Bolgheri, with their Superiore earning Tre Bicchieri honor and Gambero Rosso Magazine placing them alongside legends Grattamacco and Sassicaia as the year’s best reds in Italy.
But while their award-winning Superiore commands triple digits to secure, today’s offer is something different – and incredibly special. Their ‘Flocco’ is a Sangiovese-dominant blend (75%) with touches of Merlot and Cabernet, crafted for pure pleasure. From the historic hills of Montespertoli, it perfectly captures the essence of modern Tuscany and at an absurd price.