2023 Marchesi Antinori Bolgheri Superiore Guado al Tasso

Marchesi Antinori is one of the oldest and most influential wine families in Italy, with a history dating back to 1385. For generations, the family has played a significant role in the development of Tuscan wine, from Chianti Classico to the rise of the Super Tuscans. Antinori combines tradition with modern insights and continues to invest in quality and precision.

Guado al Tasso is the Antinori estate in Bolgheri, located on the Tuscan coast. Here, the focus is on Bordeaux grapes, where the conditions are ideal for ripeness and structure. Guado al Tasso wines are known for their balance between power and elegance. You can find more information about this winery in the Winery tab.

Origin and terroir

The vineyards of Guado al Tasso are located in Bolgheri, one of the most prestigious wine regions of Italy. The proximity of the Tyrrhenian Sea provides cooling, allowing the grapes to retain their freshness despite the warm climate. During the day, the sun ensures optimal ripening, while the sea breeze and temperature variations at night provide balance.

The soils consist of a mix of clay, sand, and limestone, with local gravel. This combination ensures good drainage and contributes to concentration and structure. In 2023, the terroir translates into ripe fruit, but also into finesse and a controlled intensity that gives the wine tension.

Grapes and vineyard management

The 2023 Guado al Tasso is composed of 44% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Cabernet Franc, and 26% Merlot. This classic Bordeaux blend is interpreted in a unique way in Bolgheri, with balance and harmony at the forefront.

Cabernet Sauvignon provides structure and depth, with dark fruit and firm tannins. Cabernet Franc plays a key role, contributing freshness, aromatic precision, and a lightly spicy profile. Merlot adds roundness and softness, keeping the wine accessible without losing its power.

Vineyard management focuses on selection and timing. In a vintage like 2023, which was less straightforward, finding the right balance between ripeness and freshness is crucial. Working meticulously in the vineyard creates a blend that is both complete and refined.

Vinification and aging

The grapes are vinified separately by plot and grape variety. This makes it possible to optimally develop every component of the blend before the final assembly takes place. During vinification, controlled extraction is used to build structure and concentration without losing finesse.

The wine ages in oak barrels, with a significant proportion of new wood being used. This adds notes of vanilla, spices, and light toast, which integrate beautifully with the fruit. The aging provides extra depth and a round, smooth texture. Where relevant, sur lie aging also contributes to extra volume, but the emphasis here is primarily on balance and refinement.

The result is a wine that is rich and structured, yet remains smooth and accessible.

Color, smell and taste

In the glass, the wine has a deep ruby red color. The aroma opens with ripe black fruit, such as cassis and plum, followed by subtle spicy notes and a light hint of oak. Everything is beautifully balanced and nothing overpowers.

On the palate, the round, velvety structure is immediately noticeable. The wine has volume and depth, yet remains elegant and controlled. The flavors of ripe fruit are supported by soft tannins and a fresh undertone that provides tension.

The finish is long and harmonious, with a combination of fruit, spiciness, and a subtle touch of oak. The wine continues to develop in the glass, revealing ever-new layers.

Style and character

The 2023 Guado al Tasso displays a classic Bolgheri style, but with extra finesse. The wine is complete and balanced, with a so-called all-round character in which all elements come together. It is powerful enough to impress, but refined enough to remain elegant.

The character is round, smooth, and layered, with a controlled intensity. This makes the wine versatile, both with food and on its own. It is a wine that convinces not only through power, but precisely through its cohesion and precision.

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.