Founded by Erika Ratti, daughter of Milan’s design luminary Antonio Ratti, this winery stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of female-led winemaking. This is Tenuta Sette Cieli, where the vineyard’s graceful tendrils weave a tale of elegance and empowerment in the heart of Tuscany. Let’s delve into the story of Tenuta Sette Cieli, where every sip reflects not only the region’s terroir but also the dedication of its women.
Vineyard Selection: Everything Starts with Terroir
In 1998, Erika Ratti, enchanted by the landscapes surrounding Castagneto Carducci, planted the first four hectares of vines at an altitude of 400 meters. This strategic elevation provides constant ventilation and a notable diurnal temperature range, ensuring the optimal development of grape components. The choice of Bordeaux varieties, including Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, and Merlot, reflects a departure from tradition, showcasing a bold and visionary approach to winemaking in Tuscany.
Crafting Excellence, One Bottle at a Time
The heartbeat of Tenuta Sette Cieli lies in the hands of Elena Pozzolini, a trailblazing winemaker with a rich background cultivated in Italy and abroad. Elena’s meticulous approach extends from the organic, hand-farmed vineyards to the cellar, where each variety and plot is vinified separately. Her dedication to preserving the identity of each terroir shines through, creating wines that embody the unique character of Tuscany.
Over the years, Tenuta Sette Cieli expanded its vineyards, embracing diversity in soil composition based on altitude. From rocky terrains at 400 meters to clays, orangey-red sands, and loam in the foothills, each plot adds a distinctive note to the flavors. The winery now owns 120 hectares, with 15 dedicated to vineyards in Monteverdi Marittimo and five in Castagneto Carducci.
Ambrogio Cremona Ratti: The Second Generation
Ambrogio Cremona Ratti, Erika’s son, represents the next chapter in Tenuta Sette Cieli’s legacy. Raised on the family estate surrounded by Bolgheri’s vineyards, Ambrogio has embraced the winery’s journey, propelling it into the ranks of notable Super Tuscan names. His vision included a significant investment in Bolgheri, realized in 2018 with the purchase of 32 hectares, further solidifying the winery’s commitment to the appellation.
Tasting the Icons: Indaco and Scipio
Having had the privilege to taste two of Tenuta Sette Cieli’s iconic wines, the Indaco and Scipio, both from the outstanding 2018 vintage, I witnessed the culmination of their winemaking prowess. The 2018 vintage, characterized by a rainy spring, a warm growing season, and a warm and windy ripening season, contributed to the exceptional quality of these wines.
Indaco – Bordeaux blend symphony
Indaco, a blend of Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot, showcases the beauty of Bordeaux varieties in Tuscany. It has been aged 18 months in barriques followed by 6 months of bottle ageing. This 2018 vintage shows a deep, vibrant hue and a nose filled with ripe dark fruits, complemented by subtle notes of cedar and spice. On the palate, the wine reveals the same sweet cooking spices, with silky tannins and a lingering finish filled with plums. Indaco is a true reflection of Tenuta Sette Cieli’s commitment to excellence in winemaking.
Scipio – Cabernet Franc at its best
Scipio, crafted entirely from Cabernet Franc, is a testament to the winery’s dedication to this grape variety. A very limited total production of 4.000 bottles only in the best vintages. The ageing occurs in French oak barrels for 24 months followed by 12 months of bottle ageing. The 2018 vintage of Scipio exudes elegance from the first pour. Aromas of red currants, violet, and a hint of graphite lead to a palate marked by finesse and structure. The well-integrated tannins and a persistent finish make Scipio a standout expression of Cabernet Franc, capturing the essence of the terroir and the meticulous care invested in its production.
Conclusion
These remarkable wines from Tenuta Sette Cieli perfectly reflect the dedication, innovation, and distinctive femininity woven into each bottle by Elena Pozzolini and now with Ambrogio Cremona Ratti. Beautifully crafted wines from independent and hard-working woman who will hopefully lead the way to more excellent women-led wineries in Tuscany!
