Tenuta Meraviglia

Tenuta Meraviglia is a 30-hectare certified organic estate at the southernmost point of Bolgheri, Tuscany, where Cabernet Franc thrives on volcanic soils at 150 metres elevation. Purchased in 2016 by Alejandro Bulgheroni, the estate follows an unconventional winemaking philosophy that sets it apart in a region historically dominated by heavy new oak use. The vineyards sit on a plateau with views of the Tyrrhenian Sea and surrounding woodlands, creating a distinctive terroir that expresses itself clearly in every bottle.

About Tenuta Meraviglia

The estate's volcanic terroir is its defining asset. The soils contain abundant rhyolite, a mineral-rich rock that once supplied local building materials, creating a distinctive mineral character in the wines. This 150-metre plateau benefits from Mediterranean air circulation while the surrounding woodland moderates temperature extremes—conditions that suit Cabernet Franc's ripening perfectly. Lorenzo Bernini manages viticulture and winemaking with consultancy from Alberto Antonini, bringing the same expertise that has made Bulgheroni's Dievole estate successful in Chianti. Rather than follow Bolgheri's conventional path of new barriques and heavy oak extraction, Tenuta Meraviglia ferments with indigenous yeasts in cement tanks and ages in large, untoasted French oak barrels. This choice prioritises the vineyard's mineral expression and the grape's varietal purity over oak influence—a deliberate break from regional tradition that proves this terroir speaks clearly when allowed to. The organic certification reflects both environmental commitment and a belief that sustainable viticulture produces wines of greater complexity. Plans are underway to house a new winery in a restored quarry below the vineyard plateau, signalling serious investment in the estate's future. These aren't wines made to follow fashion; they're made to reveal what the specific site can achieve.

Tenuta Meraviglia Wines in Our Collection

Fermented in cement and aged briefly in large oak, it shows strong varietal character and impressive purity—what Cabernet Franc tastes like when the vineyard, not the winemaker's toolkit, leads the conversation. Pair this with everyday meals where you want wine to complement rather than dominate. The Maestro di Cava Bolgheri Superiore is the estate's serious statement, made from selection of the best fruit. The 2020 vintage (97pts Decanter World Wine Awards, 95pts Falstaff) spent longer in oak and has developed lovely tobacco leaf character typical of premium Cabernet Franc from Bolgheri. The 2018 (93pts James Suckling, 94pts Giuseppe Lauria) shows the same tobacco complexity with additional age development. These are wines for occasions when you want depth, structure, and regional character—Tuscan reds that taste of place rather than technique.

Food Pairing

The Bolgheri Rosso suits cured meats, grilled vegetables, and herb-crusted lamb where you want the wine to enhance rather than overpower. Maestro di Cava demands richer fare: beef with peppercorn sauces, slow-roasted pork, aged hard cheeses, or game birds. The tobacco leaf character particularly echoes smoked and charred flavours—think barbeque, wood-fired cooking, or anything with Tuscan herbs like rosemary and thyme.

Why does Tenuta Meraviglia use large oak instead of barriques like other Bolgheri producers?

The estate prioritises expressing the vineyard's mineral character and Cabernet Franc's varietal purity. Large, untoasted oak ages the wine without excessive oak flavour, allowing the volcanic terroir to dominate—an unconventional choice in Bolgheri that reveals the site's specific identity.

What makes the volcanic soils at Tenuta Meraviglia distinctive?

The soils contain abundant rhyolite, a mineral-rich rock historically used for building. This volcanic geology creates mineral complexity in the wines and suits Cabernet Franc ripening on the 150-metre plateau overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea.

Is there a difference between the Bolgheri Rosso and Maestro di Cava?

Bolgheri Rosso is the primary wine—fresh, mineral, varietal-focused. Maestro di Cava is made from superior selection, aged longer, and develops tobacco leaf character. Choose Rosso for everyday drinking, Maestro di Cava for special occasions requiring depth.

Who makes Tenuta Meraviglia wines?

Tenuta Meraviglia is owned by Alejandro Bulgheroni (purchased 2016) and managed by winemaker Lorenzo Bernini with consultancy from Alberto Antonini. The 30-hectare certified organic estate sits at the southernmost point of Bolgheri, Tuscany.

What style of wine does Tenuta Meraviglia make?

Tenuta Meraviglia makes bold, structured Cabernet Franc-based reds from volcanic soils. Fermented in cement and aged in large, untoasted French oak, they prioritise mineral expression and varietal purity. The 2020 Maestro di Cava scored 92 points.

How much does Tenuta Meraviglia wine cost?

Tenuta Meraviglia wines range between £36 and £77. The entry-level 2022 Bolgheri Rosso is £36.25; the premium Maestro di Cava Bolgheri Superiore sits at £76–£77.