Tenuta San Guido Guidalberto 2022

Region and Vineyards

The Bolgheri region in Tuscany is renowned for its production of high-quality wines, particularly those made from Bordeaux varietals such as Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. The vineyards of Tenuta San Guido are located near the Tuscan coast, benefiting from the pedoclimatic conditions that favor excellent grape ripening.

The 2022 vintage was marked by a warm growing season with some challenges. The winter brought above-average rainfall, which helped the vines endure a hot and dry summer. The lower yield per vine ensured concentrated flavors in the grapes, while the proximity to the sea helped preserve freshness and balance in the fruit. The harvest began in late August for the Merlot and extended through September for the Cabernet Sauvignon.

Winemaking

The Guidalberto 2022 is vinified with a focus on maintaining the purity and balance of the fruit. The grapes were hand-harvested and underwent fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats. The wine was then aged in 225-liter barriques, consisting of 40% new French oak, with the remaining 60% being a mix of second, third, and fourth-passage barrels. This method allows for gentle oak integration, preserving the vibrancy of the fruit while adding depth and structure.

The wine was aged for approximately 15 months before bottling, with a small percentage of American oak used (around 5%), contributing subtle nuances without overpowering the character of the wine.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep ruby red with bright garnet reflections.
• Aroma: Initially a bit closed, but once opened in the glass, it reveals complex aromas of Mediterranean scrub, strawberry tree, juniper, and earthy notes of humus. Subtle spicy hints and a touch of oak contribute to its aromatic depth.
• Palate: The wine is smooth and balanced, with ripe tannins well integrated into the rich fruit profile. Fresh notes of dark berries, plum, and a hint of herbaceousness combine with a bright acidity and excellent salinity, providing length and persistence on the palate.
• Finish: Long, with refined tannins and lingering notes of minerality, leaving a fresh and savory aftertaste.

Did You Know?

The label of Guidalberto depicts the Oratory of San Guido, and the wine is named after Guidalberto della Gherardesca, an agricultural pioneer in the Bolgheri region who planted the famous Viale dei Cipressi (avenue of cypress trees) in the 19th century. This wine, first produced in 2000, is a tribute to the history of the estate and reflects the pioneering spirit of its founders​.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Roast beef with herbs: The wine’s tannic structure and depth complement the richness of the roast, while its fresh acidity balances the flavors.
• Tuscan pork loin with rosemary: The herbal notes in the wine echo the rosemary in the dish, enhancing the savory elements.
• Wild mushroom risotto: The earthiness of the mushrooms pairs beautifully with the wine’s humus and herbal notes.
• Hard cheeses like Pecorino Toscano: The wine’s salinity and minerality balance the salty, nutty flavors of aged cheeses.

History of Tenuta San Guido

The history of Tenuta San Guido is deeply rooted in the Italian aristocracy and in the winemaking traditions of Bolgheri. The estate was founded by Marchese Mario Incisa della Rocchetta, who, in the 1940s, had the visionary idea of planting Bordeaux varietals, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, in the Tuscan hills, a region historically known for Sangiovese.

Inspired by the great wines of Bordeaux, particularly Château Lafite, Mario Incisa della Rocchetta experimented with the idea of creating a wine that would combine the character of Tuscan terroir with the structure of Bordeaux blends. His decision to plant vineyards in stony, gravelly soils similar to those of Bordeaux led to the creation of Sassicaia, a wine that became the first Italian Super Tuscan to gain international recognition.

The first commercial vintage of Sassicaia was released in 1968, and it quickly gained acclaim, leading to the creation of the Bolgheri DOC in 1994, which was specifically designed for Sassicaia and other wines of the region. The estate remains in the hands of the Incisa della Rocchetta family, who continue to produce world-class wines under the leadership of Nicolò Incisa della Rocchetta, Mario’s son.

Region and Vineyards

Tenuta San Guido is located in the heart of the Bolgheri DOC, an area on the Tuscan coast that benefits from its proximity to the sea. The vineyards are planted at various altitudes, from sea level up to 400 meters, offering a wide range of microclimates and soil types, from gravel and limestone to clay.

The unique climate of Bolgheri, with its mild winters and warm, dry summers, is tempered by the cooling influence of the Tyrrhenian Sea, which helps preserve the acidity and balance in the grapes. This maritime climate is ideal for Bordeaux varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc, which thrive in these conditions, producing wines of great structure, finesse, and aging potential.

Tenuta San Guido’s vineyards are divided into three main areas:

• Sassicaia: The estate's most iconic vineyard, producing the legendary Sassicaia wine from Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc grapes.
• Guidalberto: A vineyard named after Guidalberto della Gherardesca, producing wines such as Guidalberto, a blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.
• Le Difese: A vineyard focusing on a more accessible wine, Le Difese, made with a higher proportion of Sangiovese blended with Cabernet Sauvignon.

Wine Range

Tenuta San Guido produces three primary wines, each reflecting the estate’s philosophy of quality, innovation, and respect for tradition:

• Sassicaia: The flagship wine, made predominantly from Cabernet Sauvignon (85%) with a small percentage of Cabernet Franc (15%). It is one of Italy’s most prestigious wines and has earned global acclaim for its elegance, structure, and aging potential.

• Guidalberto: A blend of Merlot (60%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (40%), offering a more approachable style compared to Sassicaia, but still maintaining the estate's hallmark complexity and balance.

• Le Difese: A blend of Sangiovese (70%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (30%), it is designed to be an early-drinking wine with vibrant fruit and smooth tannins, offering an introduction to the estate’s style at a more accessible price point.

Did You Know?

Sassicaia was so influential that in 1994, it became the only Italian wine to have its own DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata), the Bolgheri Sassicaia DOC, making it the first and only Italian wine region created for a single wine. This move recognized Sassicaia’s exceptional quality and its role in transforming the reputation of Italian wines globally.