Thursday was a big day as we headed south towards Grosseto and then back up north along the coast to find the very small DOCG Suvereto. Most people will be unaware of the appellation and yet it deserves greater recognition. The family owned Bulichella winery was our first visit and a fascinating story unfolded. The estate is now run by the third generation but the story all starts with Hideyuki Miyakawa who came from Japan on his motorbike to tour Europe and other parts of the world. Hideyuki was fascinated by cars and met his Italian wife at a Motor Exposition in Turin in the early 60’s.
Hideyki cofounded an automotive design company that worked with many top vehicle brands. In 1983, the family took a completely different path and set up a social project in Suvereto with three other families and then took overall control in 1999. He installed a state of the art winery and commenced a new life journey in wine. We met the grand children – Nico and Giulia – who were absolutely charming and took us on a wonderful tour of the vineyards and the cellar before sitting outside to taste a wonderful selection of wines. A delicious Vermentino, a Syrah Rose, a Sangiovese, Merlot, Cabernet blend and a 2019 Syrah which showed beautifully. Great start to the day.
From Bulichella, it was just thirty five minutes north to the small family owned estate of Villanoviana. Set in the heart of the Bolgheri DOC, this area has become very famous thanks to Sassicaia – the original SuperTuscan. Owner Barbara Moncelli has built a very attractive, modern winery alongside a residence – the only shame was the strong breeze which meant we had to sit inside rather than enjoy some alfresco dining. However, this didn’t detract as we took a short walk around the olive grove and vineyards as we chatted with Matteo – their hospitality manager. Lunch was an easy mix of mixed antipasti, beef pasta and cantucci biscuits – all washed down with their very drinkable wines.
We don’t normally do three visits in a day but as the final visit was so close – 1.1km from Villanoviana – it didn’t seem too onerous. Le Vigne di Silvia is a small family estate comprising six hectares on the flat plain of Bolgheri. Family member Stefania hosted our visit and you cannot be anything but overwhelmed by her enthusiasm for her family’ estate’s enterprise. We took a short walk in the vineyard, saw the three rows of Verdicchio vines which are testament to the origin of the family (who came from Le Marche), met Mum and Dad and of course Silvia – her sister – after whom the estate is named. Silvia was a professional football for the Italian women’s team but now she and Stefania run the estate.
It was a joyful experience as Stefania hosted the tasting ably assisted by Silvia and their mother. More food arrived – well it is Italy!
