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5. The Etruscan Coast "Bolgheri" region - mini Bordeaux
of Italy
 Bolgheri
is the name a small village, lined by a splendid avenue of cypresses, as
described by the famous Italian poet Carducci - a poem taught in school to
every Italian child.
The town has given its name to this already very famous wine region where
the Italians have proved to us all that it can produce Cabernets and Merlots
of world class. First the region became known with
the Sassicaia wine - a blend of Cabernets - then with the Grattamacco and
Ornellaia estates.
It is now the home of Tuscany's most prestigious
Super Tuscans.
This coastal wine region now referred to as Bolgheri grows
mostly French
grape varietals (Cabernet Sauvignon and Franc, Merlot,
Syrah, Petit Verdot). In the past the wineries had to classify these wines
as table wines (vino da tavola) as they had no place with the government
protection of traditional grape varietals or wine making practices. These
wines huge success and world recognition have forced them to be recognized
by the State with the denominations Bolgheri DOC and
Sassicaia DOC - quite a victory for the people who started out wine making
in an area that seemingly no one else would have believed in.
Bolgheri is now almost an exclusive sea-side club full of
boutique wine producers, including important names such as Antinori, Gaja,
Frescobaldi, Cavallari, Michele Satta, etc.
N.B. Very important: This is a custom tour and should be booked well in
advance as the entrance to most of these wineries must be booked far ahead.
PRIVATE "BOLGHERI" WINE TOUR PRICES
Prices are in
Euro (€) and include transportation in air-conditioned car/mini-van & winery
appointments. The excursions are usually around 8 hrs long, but can be less if
you wish.
Departure from either prearranged meeting points or your accommodation in, and
in between, or within the vicinities of Siena. N.B. prices are not inclusive of
lunch.
2 people: € 350,00 per person
3 people: € 250,00 per person
4 people: € 225,00 per person
5 people: € 200,00 per person
6 people: € 175,00 per person
7 people: € 160,00 per person
8 people: € 150,00 per person
Please note that if you prefer to have a sommelier (a local wine
professional) accompany you on the day, an extra fee of 300 euro must be
applied.
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