Fabio Motta – 2022 Le Gonnare Bolgheri Rosso Superiore

Fabio Motta – 2022 Le Gonnare Bolgheri Rosso Superiore.

Bolgheri is famously associated with power. When producers here first started working with international grapes, this region became known for big, heavily oaked wines. Yet, this maritime terroir with its constant sea breezes and iron-rich soils has much more to offer than sheer force alone. A compelling example of this is the 2022 Bolgheri Superiore DOC ‘Le Gonnare’ by Fabio Motta. This wine manages to carry that typical Mediterranean warmth without ever becoming exhausting to drink. It offers a precise, terroir-transparent interpretation of the region’s classic Bordeaux blend.

About the Winery

Established in 2009, Fabio Motta’s estate is relatively young, but its approach feels remarkably mature. Learning the ropes firsthand from his father-in-law, Michele Satta, Motta developed a pragmatic, hands-on style. Rather than relying on rigid formulas, he adapts his methods to the specific quirks of each vintage. His modest, ten-hectare domain benefits greatly from the cooling Tyrrhenian Sea winds, which mitigate the Tuscan heat and maintain vine health. Even though the estate is now backed by a larger agricultural group, the work in the cellar hasn’t changed. The winemaking stays low-intervention and strictly focused on the coastal terroir.

About the Wine

Sourced from a small, northwest-facing plot at an elevation of 150 meters, this blend truly reflects its coastal origins. Bolgheri Superiore DOC ‘Le Gonnare’ consists for 70% of Merlot and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon. The rocky, clay-heavy soils of this specific vineyard are essential: they slow down the ripening process, preventing the fruit from becoming overripe. Fermentation takes place in unglazed concrete, followed by aging in barriques. While only about 20% of the oak is new, the wood influence is clearly present. Aromatically, it leads with mint and herbs, alongside rich, slightly stewed dark fruit. In the mouth, this ripeness is countered by a distinct saline note. The tannins are finely grained, leading to a surprisingly fresh and elegant finish.

Conclusion

This 2022 Le Gonnare highlights just how elegant Bolgheri can be. Thanks to Motta’s restrained use of oak and thoughtful extraction, the wine is already remarkably approachable and enjoyable in its youth. However, it certainly retains the structural backbone needed to evolve gracefully in the cellar for years to come.

We award this wine a 94-point DWA score, rewarding its striking balance between Mediterranean warmth and refreshing acidity. 

This review is written by our own Paola Oomen. This wine is imported by Verkerk Wijnimport and can be bought online at Enoteca Sprezzatura.

Taste Date:     February 2026

Website:         Fabio Motta