Pioneering sparkling Sangiovese: Chiaro di Bolle returns with a fresh, contemporary expression of Tuscan terroir.
With the arrival of its latest vintage, Chiaro di Bolle reinforces Il Borro’s pioneering approach to sparkling Sangiovese. The organic Blanc de Noirs Metodo Classico—vinified in white—stems from the vision of Vice President Salvatore Ferragamo, who sought to explore Tuscany’s signature variety through a fresh, precise, and contemporary lens.
“A wine that captivated me from the very first sip: the fine perlage, the citrus freshness, and its extraordinary elegance. Chiaro di Bolle reflects the constant research carried out daily in our vineyards and cellar, representing a desire to interpret Sangiovese from a new perspective. When work began on this project, imagining a Tuscan Metodo Classico made from Sangiovese seemed countercultural. Today, it is immensely rewarding to see how an intuition from over fifteen years ago continues to express our land in an authentic, contemporary way, broadening the grape’s potential.”
— Salvatore Ferragamo, Vice President
Chiaro di Bolle highlights a path Il Borro began years ago. Long before native grapes became a trend in sparkling winemaking, the estate challenged convention by taking Sangiovese—historically bound to structured reds—into Metodo Classico territory, shifting the focus toward tension, crispness, and vibrant finesse.
Chiaro di Bolle traces its identity to Valdarno Superiore, an area historically renowned for Sangiovese. Here, alluvial soils and dramatic day-to-night temperature swings allow the vines to strike a precise balance of ripeness, vibrant acidity, and aromatic clarity—qualities Il Borro shapes through the traditional method for an expressive taste of terroir.
Harvesting takes place early, around mid-August, from selected vineyard plots. Grapes are picked strictly by hand using small 10 kg crates to protect fruit integrity, followed by an 18-month aging process on the lees—a timeline that builds complexity, depth, and harmony while preserving vibrant fruit clarity and the grape’s true identity.
The 2023 Vintage & Tasting Profile
The 2023 season opened with a mild, dry winter and a rainy spring, before settling into moderate temperatures after an initial summer hot spell. The climatic conditions naturally limited yields while encouraging balanced ripening and exceptionally clean aromatic definition.
“Sangiovese possesses a natural acid energy and aromatic precision that find a compelling expression in the Metodo Classico style. The 2023 vintage achieved an ideal balance, yielding a crisp, dynamic wine fully aligned with the variety’s identity.”
— Samuele Mammoli, Technical & Production Director
In the glass, Chiaro di Bolle 2023 reveals a fine, persistent perlage. The nose opens with citrus, white flowers, and subtle notes of bread crust, while the palate brings vibrant freshness, a savory edge, and an elegant texture leading to a balanced, lingering finish.
Chiaro di Bolle stems from the estate’s drive to craft a sparkling expression of its signature grape, Sangiovese—following in the footsteps of Bolle di Borro, the rosé Metodo Classico aged on the lees for 60 months. The project advances a winemaking vision delivering one of the most original and contemporary takes on the variety.
It reflects Il Borro’s knack for blending research, innovation, and regional identity, staying ahead of a growing movement celebrating native Italian grapes through Metodo Classico winemaking.
Photo credits: Courtesy of Il Borro / Fcomm Press Office