2020 Tenuta San Guido Le Difese

Tenuta San Guido was founded in the 1940s by Marchese Mario Incisa della Rocchetta. The marchese was inspired by the wines of Bordeaux, especially those made from Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. In 1944 he planted these varieties in the Bolgheri, an area not traditionally associated with wine production at the time.

Terroir of Tenuta San Guido

The estate is located in Maremma on the Tuscan coast. The Tyrrhenian Sea provides a unique microclimate that is favorable for grape growing. Tenuta San Guido covers over 2,500 hectares, of which approximately 90 hectares (approximately 222 hectares) are devoted to vineyards. The vineyards are planted with Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and other varieties. The soil of Tenuta San Guido, located between 60 and 400 meters above sea level, is partly clayey with diverse morphological characteristics, including limestone-rich areas with Alberese, Gabbro and stone. The climate is unique, with hills from Bibbona to Castagneto offering protection from northeasterly winds. In summer the sea cools the vineyards, creating a microclimate that is characteristic of Tenuta San Guido.

Sassicaia

Sassicaia is the "flagship" of Tenuta San Guido and is considered the first Super Tuscan. It gained international fame and played a crucial role in defining Italian wines. The first vintage Sassicaia was produced in 1968, but was initially intended for private consumption. It wasn't until 1978 that Sassicaia was released commercially. Sassicaia is made primarily from Cabernet Sauvignon, with a small percentage of Cabernet Franc. The name "Sassicaia" comes from the Italian word "sassi", which means stones, as the vineyards are characterized by stony soils. The wine is known for its elegance, complexity and storage potential. It often receives high scores from critics and is highly sought after by collectors. Sassicaia played a crucial role in the recognition and elevation of Italian wines.

Production of Tenuta San Guido

In winemaking at Tenuta San Guido, the emphasis is on quality and traditional techniques. The estate strives to express the unique terroir of the Bolgheri region in its wines. Sassicaia is largely Cabernet Sauvignon with a smaller percentage of Cabernet Franc. Sassicaia is known for its elegance, complexity and potential. Sassicaia production varies from harvest year to harvest year, depending on factors such as weather conditions and quality. The exact number of bottles produced annually may fluctuate and specific production figures may not be readily available. Tenuta San Guido also produces other wines such as the Guidalberto, which is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Guidalberto is the estate's second wine and offers a more accessible and earlier drinking style than the Sassicaia. Finally, we have the Le Difese, a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese. Le Difese is a more accessible and fruity wine, designed for earlier consumption.

Tenuta San Guido's olive oil?

In addition to its wines, Tenuta San Guido is known for the production of high-quality olive oil. The estate is located in Maremma (Tuscany) and many wineries in the region often have olive groves next to vineyards. They probably grow traditional Tuscan olive varieties such as Frantoio, Leccino and Moraiolo. The characteristics of the region's soil and climate, which contribute to the unique terroir of their wines, can also influence the flavor profile of their olive oil. The estate probably uses traditional and careful methods in the cultivation and harvesting of olives. The extraction process, usually carried out by cold pressing, is designed to preserve the quality and flavor of the olives. Like their approach to wine production, olive oil production can be limited, with an emphasis on quality over quantity.