2022 Antinori Tenuta Guado al Tasso Cont'Ugo Bolgheri

The history of Tenuta Guado al Tasso and the unique Bolgheri region

Tenuta Guado al Tasso is one of the prestigious estates of the Antinori family, an influential name in the Italian wine world since 1385. The estate is located in the relatively young but internationally renowned Bolgheri appellation, in the south-west of Tuscany near the Tyrrhenian Sea. Since the creation of the DOC Bolgheri in 1994, this region has developed into a reference for modern, international red wines of top quality.

The estate covers approximately 320 hectares of vineyards in a geographically unique area known as the “Bolgheri Amphitheatre”: an open plain surrounded by hills, where constant sea breezes provide cooling in summer and mild winters. The combination of rich alluvial soils and an exceptional microclimate creates ideal conditions for grape varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. From these, Tenuta Guado al Tasso produces powerful and refined red wines, including the 100% Merlot Cont'Ugo.

Top-level Merlot: the 2022 Cont'Ugo from Bolgheri

The Cont'Ugo 2022 is an expressive red wine made exclusively from Merlot grapes, intended to translate the elegance and fruitiness of this grape variety to the terroir of Bolgheri. The grapes are grown at an altitude of 45 to 60 meters above sea level, on clay-loam soils of alluvial origin. This combination gives the wine an exceptional balance between power and finesse.

The 2022 vintage was characterized by drought and early phenological development. Although the summer was warm, a number of strategically timed rain showers brought just enough moisture to allow the grapes to ripen in optimum health. Harvest took place between August 30 and September 9 – about ten days earlier than average – and resulted in healthy grapes with a beautiful aromatic intensity and an excellent sugar-to-acid ratio.

Vinification and maturation: precision and character in every bottle

After a careful manual harvest, the grapes underwent a double selection, first at bunch level and then at berry level. Fermentation took place in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, with the temperature adjusted according to the ripeness of the fruit: around 25°C to preserve aromatic freshness, up to 30°C for a more powerful extraction of phenols and structure.

After alcoholic fermentation, malolactic conversion took place in French oak barriques, after which the best cuvées were selected for further maturation. This took place in second-year barriques for a period of 12 months. Bottling took place at the end of January 2024, allowing the wine to fully mature before it was released onto the market.

Color, aroma and taste: a Mediterranean Merlot with depth

Cont'Ugo 2022 shows itself in the glass with a deep ruby red color. The bouquet is refined and complex, with pronounced notes of ripe red fruits such as cherries, raspberries and blackcurrants. Subtle nuances of Mediterranean herbs and forest floor provide extra depth.

In the mouth the wine is full and structured, with ripe tannins and a remarkable freshness. The long finish carries clear fruit notes, which provides an elegant balance between concentration and refinement. This vintage excels in its aromatic purity and persistent character.

Would you like to order wines from 2022 Antinori Tenuta Guado al Tasso online?

The 2022 Cont'Ugo is stored in our conditioned Wine Warehouse and is immediately available. If you choose to collect the wine, you will often also receive a nice discount. This discount will automatically appear when you select 'Collect' on the checkout page.

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Any factsheets, additional information and photos of this wine can be found in the tab: Appendix The full reviews by renowned wine critics such as Robert Parker, James Suckling and Vinous can be consulted free of charge on our website via the links next to the wine image.

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Wine and food pairings for the Antinori Cont'Ugo 2022

1. Pappardelle with venison ragout
The rich, earthy flavours of the venison combine perfectly with the fruity depth and spicy undertones of this Merlot.

2. Grilled entrecote with rosemary and garlic
The juicy structure of the meat and the grilled aroma enhance the structure and ripe fruit of the wine.

3. Braised aubergine with tomatoes, olives and capers (Melanzane alla puttanesca)
The Mediterranean flavours complement the spicy hints in the wine, while the acids nicely refresh the dish.

4. Rack of lamb with thyme and red wine jus
The buttery lamb complements the soft tannins, while the spicy jus emphasises the depth of the wine.

5. Tagliatelle with truffle and mushroom cream sauce
The earthy notes of truffle and mushroom enhance the complexity of the wine and take the aromas to a higher level.

6. Veal sucade with lentils and roasted garlic
A harmonious combination in which the creaminess of the dish and the structure of the wine complement each other perfectly.