Podere Il Castellaccio Ardiglione Bolgheri Bianco 2025

Ardiglione 2025, the Vermentino of Bolgheri

In this Bolgheri Bianco, the Vermentino meets wood aging that gives it an expression less simply immediate than a white vinified only in tank. I love this pairing between a grape variety tied to the Tuscan landscape and Alessandro Scappini's patient choice: four months of wood aging, without erasing the origin of the wine.

An estate rooted in the lands of Bolgheri

Podere Il Castellaccio is located in Bolgheri, in Tuscany, an appellation known for its wines. The history of the estate is tied to that of the Scappini family: the vines were planted by Alessandro's grandfather, at a time when the region had less recognition than it does today. Alessandro chose to continue this work and to enhance the local grape varieties, rather than follow trends. This continuity gives concrete context to the Ardiglione: it is a white from a family estate, on lands farmed organically.

The 2025 vintage is made from Vermentino, hand-harvested at the moment judged optimal. The soils of Bolgheri are described here as clayey and composed of galestro, a schistous rock. In the cellar, the grapes are destemmed, crushed and then pressed. Fermentation begins in stainless steel tanks at controlled temperature, with selected yeasts; part of the wine goes through maceration and aging in barrels. Finally, the whole matures four months in wood before bottling. The result sits halfway between a youthful expression and a white marked by the barrel: the available tasting markers place it at 4 out of 9 for oak and body, and at 7 out of 9 for aromatic intensity.

The wine's description evokes an intense and complex bouquet, without specifying notes of fruit, flowers or spices. I prefer to stick to that rather than invent aromas. One can therefore expect an expressive nose, but the available information does not allow us to precisely name what emerges from it. The color is not detailed either. On the palate, the indications place the wine in a register of moderate body, rather than that of a very light or full white. Wood aging is an important element of its profile, but nothing allows us to claim that it dominates the sensations. It is a fairly readable approach: a Vermentino from Bolgheri, organic, worked in tank then accompanied by wood.

At the table, between sea and freshness

I would serve it with white fish, seafood or a salad, three pairings recommended for this wine, and I would also keep it in mind as an aperitif. It fits naturally at the table when you want an aromatic white without looking for great power or body. The Ardiglione 2025 can also open a meal inspired by the Tuscan coast: a bottle to share calmly, taking the time to discover what the Vermentino and its aging reveal in the glass.