The 2022 Le Difese from Tenuta San Guido is a vibrant and expressive wine. It opens with enticing aromas of ripe blackberries and cherries, complemented by delicate hints of lavender and fresh herbs. On the palate, it offers a medium-bodied structure with well-integrated tannins that provide a smooth and balanced mouthfeel. The wine’s complexity is further enhanced by notes of dark chocolate and a touch of white musk, leading to a refreshing finish with a hint of lemon peel. This blend of Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon showcases a harmonious balance of fruit and acidity, making it an enjoyable and versatile wine that can be appreciated now or over the next few years.

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.

Sangiovese (55%)

Cabernet Sauvignon (45%)

Tuscany