Tenuta Fratini Harte Bolgheri Superiore 2023

Tenuta Fratini Harte, the art of Bolgheri Superiore

In this Bolgheri Superiore 2023, Cabernet and Merlot meet a landscape of limestone soils and sea breezes. What I love about Harte is also its declared link with art: sculptures punctuate the rows of vines from which its grapes come. A wine both rooted in its place and carried by a singular idea of viticultural work.

From limestone soils to sea breezes

Tenuta Fratini owns about twenty hectares of vineyards spread around Bolgheri, in Tuscany. Harte's grapes come from the limestone soils of Torre di Donoratico, in the hamlet of Castagneto Carducci, in the province of Livorno. The estate, described as a cutting-edge winery, combines the winemaking gesture with an artistic dimension: the sculptures installed among the rows pay tribute to this meeting between art and wine. The name Harte precisely evokes this union.

The blend brings together Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. The vines benefit from the sea breezes, which cool the plots and help preserve the wine's acidity and freshness. After careful grape selection and hand harvesting, fermentation takes place spontaneously in stainless steel tanks. The wine then rests for twelve months in used oak barrels. This approach supports the fruit without erasing the character of the place. Presented in the Super Tuscan style, this 2023 vintage has earned an average score of 96/100 among the experts listed on its sheet.

In the glass, the color is a brilliant ruby. The nose is expressive and fragrant, blending notes of ripe red fruit with floral nuances over a delicately spiced background. On the palate, the wine is round and supple. Fresh acidity brings lift, while the polished, well-integrated tannins accompany the fruit without harshness. The finish is long and lively, with an echo of wild berries. I would choose it for anyone who loves generous, fruit-forward reds balanced by clean freshness. It can be enjoyed right now or kept for up to fifteen years; half an hour in a decanter is recommended to let it open up.

At the table, between meat and ragù

At the table, Harte pairs naturally with a beef tagliata: the tenderness of the meat and its flavors answer the red fruit and silky tannins. You can also serve it with fettuccine al ragù di cinghiale, for a meal with a Tuscan flavor. I suggest decanting it about thirty minutes before sitting down, then taking the time to follow how it evolves in the glass. It's a beautiful bottle to share over a generous dish, without waiting for a solemn occasion to open it.