Perched on a scenic plateau above the Tuscan coast, Tenuta Argentiera is one of Bolgheri’s most striking estates. But it’s more than just a pretty place—the rare mix of high elevation and sea breezes, combined with mineral-rich soils, surrounding forest, and a skilled winemaking approach, creates ideal conditions for producing vibrant, character-driven wines.

**Sunset at the Argentiera estate..** *Photo: @Tenutaargentiera*

Founded in 1999 with the first vines planted in 2000, Argentiera has just celebrated its 25th anniversary.

"We are 1.2-1.5 kilometers from the sea (less than a mile), and 200 meters (656 feet) above sea level," explains winemaker Nicolò Carrara, who has been with Argentiera since 2009. "The sea’s reflected light and breezes help us, as does the surrounding forest. There’s a good balance between the maritime conditions and natural land, of which our vineyards benefit from both.”

**Head winemaker Nicolò Carrara.** *Photo: Tenuta Argentiera*

The soil composition varies throughout the vineyards and is another key element in the estate’s success. “The lower areas are mostly sand, typical throughout much of Bolgheri, but we also have limestone and clay, minerals that are very unusual this close to the coast,” notes Carrara. “That’s a big part of what gives quality to our vines and wine.”

These mineral-rich soils and the elevated position help preserve freshness even in challenging vintages. “We always have good acidity and balance, even when it’s hot and dry,” Carrara notes. “It’s a very special place to grow wine.”

Each vineyard block is carefully matched to the style of wine it produces. The estate’s entry-level red, Poggio ai Ginepri, comes from the lower sandy parcels. A bit higher, Villa Donoratico grows in soils with more clay and limestone. The flagship Argentiera is a blend typically anchored by 50% Merlot with Cabernet Sauvignon and a touch of Cabernet Franc. It is sourced from the highest vineyards, where the clay content is as high as 90%, dotted with limestone rocks.

Importantly, a light hand prevails in all aspects at Tenuta Argentiera. “We try to avoid interventions in the vineyard, and we do the same in the winery,” says Carrara. Grapes are moved gently by gravity with no crushing, just slow fermentations and extended macerations that last up to 30 days.

The 2021 vintage of Argentiera, a year marked by near-perfect conditions, delivers generous depth, balanced by vibrancy. The 2022, in contrast, was shaped by severe drought—less than 8 inches of rainfall during the growing season compared to a usual 16 to 20 inches—but it still shows elegance thanks to a more restrained approach to extraction.

Thankfully, irrigation and late-August rains helped salvage the vintage. “Our nightmare, as winemakers, is green notes with high alcohol,” says Carrara. “We always aim for elegance, so in ‘22, we had to be even more gentle with the winemaking.”

Beyond the reds, the estate recently introduced Scenario, a Vermentino made from a tiny half-hectare vineyard tucked into a shaded woodland at just 150 feet elevation. "Scenario comes from a special place well-protected from the sun," says Carrara. "We produce only about 3,000 bottles." The wine ferments and ages primarily in stoneware vessels with a small portion in cigar-shaped oak barrels that are steamed, rather than toasted, to avoid oak flavors. The result is a complex white that maintains freshness even after two years of aging.

**Scenario paired with clams:** **Happy as a Clam: A Phrase, a Feeling, and a Dish You’ll Love**. *Photo: Lisa Denning*

Throughout a recent virtual tasting, Carrara returned again and again to the estate’s guiding principle: “Elegance and drinkability are always our focus. We want wines that are balanced and inviting.”

While climate change challenges traditional winegrowing practices, the winery adapts by adjusting canopy management, handling soils more gently, and treating each plot as its own ecosystem. “You can’t just follow the same protocols anymore,” Carrara says. “Every action must be considered—where the plot is, what the variety is, what the moment demands.”

As Bolgheri’s wines continue to gain global attention, Tenuta Argentiera stands out not only for its postcard-perfect views but also as a prime example of how thoughtful vinification and winemaking can create wines of both power and finesse, even in the face of warming temperatures.

Wines Tasted

Argentiera Scenario Bolgheri Bianco 2023
Dry, crisp, and refreshing, this Vermentino-based white has mouthwatering citrus notes, a touch of salinity, and a subtle herbal edge. There's real depth here, with a hint of oak adding structure to the clean, mineral finish. A lovely choice for seafood—think grilled branzino, oysters, or lemony shrimp pasta. ($25-30)

Argentiera Poggio al Ginepri 2022
Lovely and approachable, this red offers subtle fruit and a savory hint of iron on the nose. The tannins are fine and well-integrated, making it an easy-drinking, food-friendly bottle that doesn’t skimp on character. ($20-25)

Argentiera Villa Donoratico Bolgheri Superiore 2022
A bold blend of 46% Merlot, 43% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 11% Cabernet Franc, this is a rich, generous red with sweet dark fruit aromas and plenty of power. Plush on the palate, but with enough freshness to keep things lively. A wine that makes a statement—great for a hearty meal or a special occasion. ($45-60)

Argentiera 2022
A blend of 46% Merlot, 43% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 11% Cabernet Franc, the 2022 vintage offers a generous core of ripe, dark fruit layered with sweet spice and a hint of cocoa. Despite the challenges of a hot, dry growing season, the wine feels surprisingly lifted and fresh, with a lighter touch than the more structured 2021. Soft tannins and a supple mouthfeel make it especially approachable now—an easy pleasure to drink, with just enough polish and finesse to keep it interesting. ($97)

Argentiera 2021
This beautifully balanced flagship wine, from a classical vintage, is a blend of 48% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 7% Cabernet Franc. It opens with pretty cherry aromas and a just-right touch of oak. A rich, concentrated wine. Delish now, but clearly built to age. The fruit, acidity, tannins, and alcohol are all in perfect sync—elegant and structured, with a long future ahead. ($97)