Tenuta Sette Cieli sits high above Bolgheri, 400 metres above sea level, looking down on the Tyrrhenian Sea. In contrast to the fertile plains below in Bolgheri, the soils here are chock full of rocks, and minerals, with wolves and wild boar still roving free. Originally bought as a retreat for the Ratti family, it was only planted with vines in 2001. Now with young owner Ambrogio and female winemaker Elena at the helm, Sette Cieli is producing mostly Bordeaux blends from their 7ha of vines. 

 'Sette Cieili' translates as 'seven skies', and is a nod to the amazing views and huge diversity of terroir in the area. The best sites here have stony soils, and have the moderating influences of cool breezes and cool nights. The terroir is the envy of every producer who has flocked to Bolgheri to make their fortune. Since the mid-nineties, when these wines really became famous, there has been a scramble to acquire plots of the best stony hillside land. It's here, above the sandy plain that stretches out to the coast (which is great for growing tomatoes but not so good for grapes) that the wines take on a magical finesse and structure that has put them on a par with top Bordeaux and Californians.

These wines show remarkable complexity and nuance, especially compared with some of the region’s other producers. These are powerful wines, but not monolithic by any means. They will only get even better as the years go by.

Tuscany, located in central Italy, is one of the world’s most celebrated wine regions with its rolling hills, medieval towns, and exceptional wines. The region enjoys a warm Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild winters. Coastal breezes and elevation in the inland hills help maintain freshness and balance in the grapes.

Sangiovese is the dominant grape variety, forming the backbone of iconic wines such as Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino, and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. It produces medium- to full-bodied reds with bright acidity, firm tannins, and flavours of cherry, plum, dried herbs, and earthy spice. Tuscany is also home to the "Super Tuscans," modern-style wines often blending Sangiovese with international varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah. These wines tend to be richer, more concentrated, and aged in new oak.

White wine production includes refreshing Vernaccia di San Gimignano and aromatic Trebbiano blends. Tuscany’s diverse wine styles range from rustic and traditional to polished and contemporary, always expressing a strong sense of place. With its blend of heritage, innovation, and terroir, Tuscany remains a benchmark for Italian wine excellence.

Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the world’s most widely planted and celebrated red grape varieties, known for its deep colour, firm tannins, and remarkable ageing potential. Originating in Bordeaux, France, as a natural cross between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc, it has become a global benchmark for structured, full-bodied red wines.

Viticulturally, Cabernet Sauvignon is a hardy, late-ripening grape that thrives in warm, sunny climates. It produces small, thick-skinned berries, contributing to its bold tannic structure and deep colour. The vine is relatively resistant to disease and adapts well to diverse soils, making it suitable for a wide range of terroirs.

Today, Cabernet Sauvignon is planted extensively across the world—from its French homeland in Bordeaux’s Left Bank, to California’s Napa Valley, Chile’s Maipo Valley, Australia’s Coonawarra, and South Africa’s Stellenbosch. It often forms the backbone of blends, particularly in Bordeaux-style wines, but also shines as a varietal expression.

Flavour profiles typically include blackcurrant (cassis), blackberry, mint, cedar, and tobacco, often developing notes of leather, earth, and spice with age. Styles range from fruit-forward and plush in warmer climates to structured and herbal in cooler ones. Cabernet Sauvignon’s power, elegance, and longevity make it a cornerstone of fine red winemaking worldwide.

Merlot is one of the world’s most widely planted and popular red grape varieties, prized for its soft texture, approachability, and rich fruit character. Originating in Bordeaux, France—particularly prominent in the Right Bank regions of Saint-Émilion and Pomerol—Merlot is often blended with Cabernet Sauvignon and other Bordeaux varieties to add suppleness and ripe fruit.

Viticulturally, Merlot is an early-ripening grape, making it well-suited to cooler climates. It thrives in clay-rich soils, which enhance its plush texture and depth. However, it can be sensitive to frost and overly vigorous if not carefully managed, sometimes leading to high yields and diluted flavours.

Today, Merlot is grown extensively around the world, including in France, Italy, the United States (especially California and Washington State), Chile, Australia, and New Zealand. In each region, it adapts to different styles—from soft and fruity to structured and age-worthy.

Merlot wines are typically medium to full-bodied, with smooth tannins and flavours of plum, black cherry, blackberry, chocolate, and sometimes herbal or earthy notes. In warmer climates, the wines tend to be richer and fruitier, while cooler regions produce more restrained, elegant expressions. Merlot’s versatility and charm make it a staple of both varietal wines and blends worldwide.

Malbec is a dark-skinned grape variety originally from southwestern France, particularly Cahors, where it was historically known as “Côt.” Once widely grown throughout Bordeaux as a blending grape, its plantings in France declined due to susceptibility to frost, coulure, and disease. However, Malbec found a new home in Argentina, where it has become the country’s flagship variety.

Viticulturally, Malbec thrives in warm, sunny climates with significant diurnal temperature variation, which helps develop rich fruit flavours while preserving acidity. The grape is vigorous, with large berries and thin skins, making it prone to rot in humid conditions but capable of producing deeply coloured wines in dry environments.

Globally, Malbec is most famously planted in Argentina’s Mendoza region, where high-altitude vineyards produce intensely flavoured wines with smooth tannins. It is also cultivated in Cahors, Chile, the United States (notably California and Washington), Australia, and South Africa.

In style, Malbec ranges from the rustic, tannic, and earthy examples of Cahors to the plush, fruit-forward wines of Mendoza. Typical flavours include ripe black plum, blackberry, and blueberry, often accented by cocoa, violet, and spice notes. Well-made Malbecs are full-bodied, with deep colour, supple texture, and a crowd-pleasing balance of fruit richness and structure.