2022 Marchesi Antinori Bolgheri Superiore Guado al Tasso

Marchesi Antinori is one of Italy's most influential wine families, with a history dating back to 1385. For generations, the family has played a significant role in the development of Tuscan viticulture. With projects in Chianti Classico, Umbria, and Bolgheri, among others, Antinori has consistently managed to adapt to new insights without losing its own style.

Guado al Tasso is Antinori's Bolgheri estate and is located on the Tuscan coast. Here, the focus is on Bordeaux grapes such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot. The combination of coastal influences, modern techniques, and experience results in wines with depth and precision. You can find more information about this winery in the Winery tab.

Origin and terroir

The vineyards of Guado al Tasso are located in the Bolgheri appellation, close to the Tyrrhenian Sea. This area is known for its warm, sunny climate and the cooling influence of the sea. This combination ensures a long, even ripening of the grapes, preserving both aromatic ripeness and fresh acidity.

The soils consist of a mix of clay, sand, and limestone, with locally also gravelly areas that contribute to drainage and concentration. In this vintage, minerality plays a prominent role, with a recognizable touch of graphite that gives the wine extra tension. The terroir of Bolgheri translates here into ripe fruit, structure, and a clear line in the wine.

Grapes and vineyard management

The 2022 Guado al Tasso is composed of 44% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Cabernet Franc, and 25% Merlot. This classic Bordeaux blend is interpreted in its own way in Bolgheri, with an emphasis on ripeness and balance.

Cabernet Sauvignon forms the backbone of the wine, bringing structure, power, and dark fruit. Cabernet Franc plays an increasingly prominent role, adding freshness, aromatic precision, and spiciness. Merlot provides roundness and a soft texture, keeping the wine accessible despite its intensity.

Vineyard management is focused on optimal ripeness and selection. In a year like 2022, finding balance is essential, where the right ratio of grape varieties determines the final result. Working meticulously in the vineyard creates a blend that displays both power and finesse.

Vinification and aging

After the harvest, the grapes are vinified separately so that each plot and grape variety retains its own character. The extraction is carefully tuned to achieve sufficient concentration without making the wine too heavy. This is followed by blending, where balance is paramount.

The wine ages entirely in new oak barrels. This imparts notes of vanilla, toast, and spices, which are beautifully interwoven with the fruit. The wood aging contributes to the velvety texture and round structure of the wine. Where relevant, sur lie aging also contributes to extra depth, but in this case, the emphasis is primarily on the integration of wood and fruit.

The result is a wine that combines power and elegance, with a clear influence of wood that remains well-balanced.

Color, smell and taste

In the glass, the wine displays a deep ruby red color. The aroma opens with dark fruit, followed by spicy and slightly smoky notes. What stands out immediately is the graphite-like minerality reminiscent of pencil shavings, a characteristic that lends the wine extra depth and tension.

On the palate, the wine is full and rich, with a velvety texture. The flavors are concentrated yet refined, with ripe black fruit, subtle sweetness, and a beautiful balance between power and freshness. The influence of new oak adds notes of vanilla and spices without dominating.

The finish is long and smooth, with a combination of fruit, spiciness, and minerality that lingers. Despite the intensity, the wine feels remarkably harmonious and well-integrated.

Style and character

The 2022 Guado al Tasso displays a modern style in which power and elegance come together. The wine is full-bodied and concentrated, yet retains a clear line and structure thanks to the minerality and fresh elements. This makes it more accessible than some earlier, riper vintages.

The character is round and velvety, with sufficient depth and complexity to remain captivating. The increasing role of Cabernet Franc provides extra tension and precision, ensuring the wine is not only broad and rich but also remains refined. This is a wine that both impresses and demonstrates balance, making it versatile at the table or for quiet enjoyment.

Pick up in Dordrecht?

If available, you will find the official factsheet and additional information about this fine wine in the 'Attachments' tab. We will automatically send these to you upon ordering this wine. The wine is stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, and if you come to collect the wine, you will often receive a nice discount. You will see your discount immediately when you select 'Pick up' on the checkout page. We are located in Dordrecht, situated almost next to the A16 with ample parking. Click here for our address.