New DOC Bolgheri regulations
In 1994 the first DOC regulations for Bolgheri red wines became approved. Before this DOC was created, the “Super Tuscans” from the area were sold under the designations Vino da tavola or IGT Toscana.
The sub-zone Sassicaia has its own appellation declaration, with up to 85% of Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Cabernet Franc. Created as a subzone of the Bolgheri DOC in 1994 and established as a separate DOC in 2013.
The white wine grape that is most often used in Bolgheri Bianco is the Vermentino, which may account for up to 70% of the wine.
To label the wine as Bolgheri DOC is allowed to include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc (from 0 to 100%) Syrah and Sangiovese (from 0 to 50%) and Petit Verdot or other French varieties (from 0 to 30%).
The wine can be released 1 year after the harvest or can be aged 2 years (one of the two years must be in oak) to get classified as Bolgheri DOC Superiore.
First modification:
An update of the wine regulation has been approved by the Consorzio DOC Bolgheri and has come into effect in the meanwhile. The first modification is related to the base ampelographic of Bolgheri DOC white, which will give more space to the production of Viogner, Sauvignon Blanc and Vermentino.
Second modification:
The second modification concerns the labeling. All DOC Bolgheri wines have the word ‘Toscana’ on the back of the label, that is obliged. But from now on it will be up to the producers to add this word as well on the frontlabel.
In Bolgheri there are 3 types of DOC red wines: DOC Bolgheri Rosso, DOC Bolgheri Rosso Superiore, DOC Bolgheri Sassicaia + there are 3 additional DOC: DOC Rosato (1x) and DOC Bianco (2x)
More information about the modified regulations can be found in the publication from the Ministero delle Politiche Agricole. (only available in Italian language)