The 2022 Guidalberto from Tenuta San Guido is a captivating and sophisticated wine. It opens with an inviting bouquet of ripe red berries, interwoven with deeper notes of blackcurrant and blackberry that add complexity and depth. Subtle hints of fresh herbs and a touch of dark chocolate enhance the aromatic profile, while a whisper of cedar adds a refined edge. On the palate, the wine is well-structured, featuring silky tannins and a lively acidity that perfectly balances the richness of the fruit. The finish is long and memorable, with a slight saline note that adds an intriguing twist. This blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot offers an approachable yet refined expression of the estate’s terroir, promising to evolve beautifully over the next decade.

Tenuta San Guido, nestled in the scenic Bolgheri region of Tuscany, is renowned for its influential role in the “Super Tuscan” wine revolution. The estate’s flagship wine, Sassicaia, was first crafted in 1948 by Marchese Mario Incisa della Rocchetta, who sought to replicate the esteemed wines of Bordeaux. Sassicaia’s breakthrough came in 1978 when it outperformed top Bordeaux wines in a blind tasting, catapulting Tenuta San Guido to global fame. This wine, a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, thrives in Bolgheri’s distinctive stony soils, setting a new standard for Italian winemaking.
The history of Tenuta San Guido is rich with intriguing details. The estate was founded by Marchese Mario Incisa della Rocchetta, inspired by the French winemaking tradition. The name “Sassicaia” is derived from the Italian word “sasso,” meaning stone, reflecting the vineyard’s rocky terrain. Interestingly, Sassicaia was initially produced solely for family consumption and was not commercially available until the 1968 vintage. Additionally, the estate has a notable connection to horse breeding, being co-owned by the racehorse Ribot, one of the greatest racehorses of the 20th century.
Beyond Sassicaia, Tenuta San Guido produces two other distinguished wines: Guidalberto and Le Difese. Guidalberto, introduced in 2000, offers a more accessible yet still refined expression of the estate’s terroir, blending Cabernet Sauvignon with Merlot. Le Difese, first released in 2002, is a versatile and smooth wine that combines Cabernet Sauvignon with Sangiovese, showcasing a typically Tuscan character. These wines collectively underscore the estate’s dedication to quality and innovation, solidifying Tenuta San Guido’s status as a cornerstone of Italian viticulture.

Bordeaux Blend

A red Bordeaux blend is primarily composed of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc, with smaller portions of Malbec and Petit Verdot (and very occasionally, Carménère). A white Bordeaux blend is primarily made of Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon, with a splash of Muscadelle in the mix (not the same grape as Moscato).

Tuscany