Winemaker Notes

The name Varvàra is in honor of Baroness Varvàra Wrangler, wife of Count Ugolino della

Gherardesca and great-grandmother of Count Federico Zileri Dal Verme, the current owner.

This wine was born from the desire to develop a more immediate product while continuing to give importance to the fruit.

Blend: 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petit Verdot

Professional Ratings

94 James Suckling
A dark and lush wine with complex aromas of leather, ash, black cherries, cassis and cloves. Smooth and medium-bodied, it has a supple palate with firm yet ripe, velvety tannins soaked with fruit. Tight yet polished finish. A blend of cabernet sauvignon, merlot, cabernet franc and petit verdot. Drink or hold.

94 Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate

In the bottle with the black label, the Castello di Bolgheri 2023 Bolgheri Rosso Varvàra, a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot, offers generous, softly delivered intensity. The vintage feels well measured between dark fruit depth and sweet spice, the two elements working together to build volume, power and phenolic richness without sacrificing approachability.

93 Wine Enthusiast
The nose billows with herbaceous aromas of freshly cut grass, crushed rocks, wild mint, wild fennel and tilled soil, as fresh, bright citrus shines overhead. On the palate, sweet, dark berries burst against that earthy, herbal citrus feel, creating an effect like summer berry iced tea. Refreshing and eminently drinkable, but with the promise of more to come.

91 Jeb Dunnuck

Named in tribute to the family matriarch, the 2023 Varvara is decadent and primary, offering notes of pine sap, crushed flowers, sweet earth, and black cherry, with savory hints of olive and tarry earth. Medium to full-bodied, it balances richness with freshness, supported by bright acidity and well-defined tannins. It finishes with a mouthwatering, savory edge and remains approachable while still structured.

91 Wine Spectator

Concentrated with blackberry, black cherry and plum fruit, this red is balanced, if a bit monolithic today. Graphite and spice notes add detail as this resonates on the lingering finish. Cabernet Sau- vignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot.