At a glance

Producer

Tenuta Le Colonne

Region

Bolgheri, Tuscany, Italy

Grape variety

Bordeaux Blend (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot)

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Smooth

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

€22-€28 / $23-32 USD

Tasting profile

Bold dark fruits (blackberry, cassis), ripe plum, violet, Mediterranean herbs, subtle oak, hint of spice, fresh acidity, grippy tannins, smooth texture.

Evolution: Fruit softens and integrates, tannins resolve, secondary notes of cedar, tobacco, earth emerge after 4-6 years.

At peak: Silky, harmonious, with evolved aromatics—retains freshness but with softer fruit and polished texture.

Structure

Acidity

Medium—boosts freshness and aging potential

Tannins

Medium to firm, ripe but present—grippy in youth, will soften over next 2-4 years

Alcohol

13.5%-14% ABV (typical for Bolgheri blends)

Aging potential

Solid for category; excellent condition until 2030, graceful decline through 2032

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2026 to 2030

Optimal window

2025 to 2032

Current status

Youthful, but approachable with aeration

Current condition

Structured and fruit-forward, with youthful tannins and primary fruit evident

This Bolgheri red is made to be enjoyed across 5-10 years. While approachable young, its structure and acidity guarantee further complexity and smoother mouthfeel with moderate cellaring. The 2022 vintage, with its balanced ripeness and freshness, is representative of classic Bolgheri aging curves for well-crafted estate wines.

Food pairing

Ideal with Tuscan grilled steak (bistecca alla fiorentina), lamb chops, Mediterranean roast vegetables, wild boar ragù, aged Pecorino, or hearty mushroom risotto.

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (45-60 minutes) — Decanting softens youthful tannins, opens up floral and herbal aromatics, and integrates oak.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 7/10

Integrated pest management, selection of low-intervention viticulture, water recycling in vineyards/cellar, energy-saving initiatives. No use of synthetic herbicides; composting and green manure in vineyards.

Tenuta Le Colonne is part of the Alejandro Bulgheroni Family Vineyards, which implements sustainability protocols across its estates. The property uses cover crops, promotes biodiversity, and limits chemical inputs in line with Tuscan sustainability guidelines, though it does not carry organic/biodynamic certification. Packaging is standard but shifting towards lighter bottles. Carbon footprint is reasonable for a European estate, but not industry-leading. Overall, a strong sustainability performer for Bolgheri, though lacking third-party certification.