Elegant, expressive and beautifully balanced, Guidalberto 2024 is a superb Tuscan red from Tenuta San Guido, the legendary estate behind Sassicaia. Produced from Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, it combines the structure and refinement of Bordeaux varieties with the warmth and generosity of Italy's Mediterranean coast. Enticing aromas of blackcurrant, ripe cherry and dark plum are complemented by delicate notes of violet, Mediterranean herbs, cedar and subtle spice. The palate is supple yet beautifully structured, with layers of juicy dark fruit, polished tannins and refreshing acidity leading to a long, elegant finish. Offering an approachable yet sophisticated expression of Bolgheri, Guidalberto is an excellent partner for roast lamb, grilled beef, venison, wild mushroom dishes and mature cheeses.

On a Wine List

Toscana IGT, Bolgheri, Tuscany – Cabernet Sauvignon & Merlot

Elegant Super Tuscan with blackcurrant, dark cherry, cedar and Mediterranean herbs. Rich yet refined, with polished tannins, vibrant freshness and a lingering finish.

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.

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.

Cabernet Sauvignon (55%)

Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the world’s great red wine varieties, prized for its structure, longevity and unmistakable sense of authority. Naturally high in tannin and acidity, it produces wines with depth and backbone, often built around dark fruit flavours such as blackcurrant, blackberry and plum, alongside classic notes of cedar, tobacco and graphite. These qualities make Cabernet particularly well suited to ageing, where time in bottle softens its frame and allows greater complexity to emerge. While famously associated with Bordeaux, Cabernet Sauvignon expresses itself differently across regions and climates. In warmer areas it shows generosity and ripeness, with plush fruit and a warming richness; in cooler climates, it leans towards restraint, freshness and aromatic lift. What unites all great examples is their ability to reward patience — whether through decanting to allow the wine to open fully, or through years in the cellar. Cabernet is a wine for slower enjoyment, unfolding gradually and offering more with every glass.

Merlot (45%)

One of the world’s most widely planted and approachable red grape varieties, forming the backbone of many wines from Bordeaux, particularly on the Right Bank. Known for its generous fruit and soft texture, it typically shows flavours of plum, black cherry and blackberry, often complemented by notes of chocolate, spice and subtle herbs. Medium to full bodied with smooth tannins and moderate acidity, Merlot produces wines that are supple, rounded and easy to enjoy, both on their own and as part of a blend. It plays a key role in adding richness and approachability to Bordeaux wines, while in warmer regions it can deliver plush, fruit-forward styles, and in cooler climates, more structured and elegant expressions.

Tuscany