"Tenuta Sette Cieli," or "the estate of the seven skies," is located between Bolgheri and Castagneto Carducci, on the Tuscan coast 1,300 above sea level. The 173-acre estate overlooks terraced vineyards and the Mediterranean Sea, and is surrounded by the lush woods of Monteverdi Marittimo. Seventeen acres of high-density vineyards are planted to Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Malbec. Because of Tenuta Sette Cieli’s respect for nature, the winery has chosen organic practices to safeguard the environment. Everything is done by hand in the vineyards, with careful attention to each detail. The journey continues in the cellar where the winery employs single-variety vinification. Fermentation starts with wild yeasts, and the final selection of the wines is done only after a period of barrel aging in French oak barrels.
The Dream
In 1994, the Ratti family purchased more than 170 acres of isolated land near the Tuscan village of Monteverdi Marittimo between Bolgheri and Castagneto Carducci overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. The wild terrain used for horseback riding and wild boar hunting became the inspiration for the family’s dream of winemaking. Their belief that the site was ideal for pursuing their dream was reinforced when two prominent wineries in the region expressed an interest in leasing land on the estate. In 2000, the family began planting the first vineyards on the property. Today there are 17 acres of high-density vineyards planted to Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Malbec.
The Ratti family chose the name “Tenuta Sette Cieli,” or “the Estate of Seven Skies,” for their winery because the property sits atop a hill at 1,300 feet with incredible views in every direction.
Tenuta Sette Cieli is dedicated to creating world-class wines that are the purest expression of the terroir.
Unique Microclimate
The estate overlooks gently sloping hills that enclose the Mediterranean Sea, creating a mild microclimate.
The cooler climate and Mediterranean breezes known as “Gregale” slow the grapes’ ripening and intensify their flavors.
The large shift in temperatures from morning to night result in balance and complete maturation of the grapes.
Elevation
The estate is at an elevation of 1,300 feet.
Higher elevations cause Bordeaux varieties to struggle, producing small, tight clusters of tiny, thick-skinned grapes.
Smaller grapes have a higher skin-to-juice ratio resulting in deeper-colored wines with higher tannins.
Rich Soils
The black slate, granite rock and clay soils of the estate are a contrast to the loamy, sandy soil of Bolgheri.
Rocky soil stresses the vines to produce robust, concentrated fruit.
Exceptional drainage
Favors the ability to make available the exchange of minerals and root-activity vigor
