Ruffino presents Garzaia Bolgheri Superiore DOC 2023, the first Bolgheri Superiore from the historic Tuscan winery, produced exclusively with grapes from estate vineyards in the appellation along the Livorno coast. The wine will be available on the market starting March 1, 2026 and will be positioned in Ruffino’s fine wines range, completing the company’s portfolio of great Tuscan reds.
GARZAIA BOLGHERI SUPERIORE DOC 2023: A PROJECT BORN IN 2023
The project took shape in 2023, when Ruffino announced the acquisition of vineyards in the Bolgheri DOC with the goal of developing a new wine capable of interpreting the territory with a defined vision. The Bolgheri appellation counts 75 producers and is considered among the most prestigious internationally.
With this debut in the Superiore segment, Ruffino strengthens its presence in Tuscany’s most renowned wine-growing areas. A journey begun almost 150 years ago. Garzaia joins labels in the portfolio such as Riserva Ducale Oro Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG, Greppone Mazzi Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, and the IGT wines Modus Primo and Alauda.
OLGA FUSARI: THE WINEMAKING SIGNATURE OF RUFFINO’S NEW BOLGHERI
Winemaking is entrusted to Olga Fusari, Ruffino Senior Winemaker, who brings direct experience in the Bolgheri appellation to the project. “Bolgheri,” declares the winemaker, “is where I started making wine and every time I return I feel at home. Bringing a new project to life is a rare emotion in a winemaker’s career. An intense and vibrant feeling full of enthusiasm, which I hope can also be found when tasting Garzaia.”
THE MEANING OF THE NAME GARZAIA AND THE CONNECTION TO THE BOLGHERI TERRITORY
The name Garzaia refers to a natural place where different species of herons nest collectively, in an environment balanced between land and water. A reference intended to evoke the sense of place and landscape identity of Bolgheri, deeply connected to its history.
Ruffino has two plots in the appellation totaling 15 hectares, in the Le Sondraie and Le Bozze areas along Via Bolgherese. Garzaia Bolgheri Superiore DOC 2023 is produced exclusively with grapes from Le Sondraie, in the northern part of the DOC, characterized by deep, well-structured soils with sandy-clay composition and low limestone content.
BLEND OF 70% CABERNET FRANC AND MERLOT: BOLGHERI SUPERIORE STYLE
The blend is based on the varieties that made the Bolgheri area famous. Cabernet Franc is predominant (70%) and contributes structure and aromatic complexity. Merlot completes the blend, adding softness and roundness, for a profile oriented toward balance and elegance.
Aging is planned for 18 months in French oak barriques, with 70% new wood and 30% second-passage. The stated goal is to enhance the expression of individual varieties and the wine’s territorial character.
2023 VINTAGE IN BOLGHERI: STABLE CLIMATE AND LATE AUGUST RAIN
2023 is described by Ruffino as a vintage marked by fully sunny days and stable weather conditions for most of the growing season. An episode of intense rain in late August reportedly restored water reserves, helping the vines withstand high summer temperatures and favoring a slow and complete ripening of the grapes. “Garzaia,” Fusari emphasizes, “represents elegance and finesse and clearly embodies Bolgheri.”
2026 LAUNCH: WINE PARIS AND ROADSHOW IN INTERNATIONAL MARKETS
The commercial launch will be accompanied by a presentation roadshow in key international markets. Among the first stops is Wine Paris (February 9–11), followed by events in London and Italy, with presentations in Bolgheri, Florence, Venice, Sorrento, Naples, Rome, and Milan. Spring will see stops in Germany and Copenhagen, while from June the tour will extend to Asia, Canada, and the United States.
