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2․1 Founding and Evolution

Tenuta San Guido‚ established by Marquis Mario Incisa della Rocchetta‚ began as a family estate focused on innovative winemaking․ Its evolution was marked by pioneering the Super Tuscan movement‚ leading to the creation of Sassicaia in 1968․ This wine defied traditional Tuscan winemaking norms and earned acclaim‚ securing the estate’s legacy․ Over decades‚ Tenuta San Guido has expanded its vineyards and refined techniques‚ maintaining its commitment to quality and innovation․

2․2 The Creation of Sassicaia

Sassicaia‚ the groundbreaking wine‚ was first produced in 1968 by Marquis Mario Incisa della Rocchetta․ It emerged from a bold experiment‚ blending Cabernet Sauvignon grapes in a region dominated by Sangiovese․ Initially labeled as a table wine‚ Sassicaia defied Tuscan winemaking traditions‚ becoming the first Super Tuscan․ Its creation marked a turning point‚ showcasing the potential of Bordeaux varieties in Italy․ The wine’s deep ruby-red color‚ rich aromas of blackcurrant‚ and hints of lavender and minerals quickly earned it acclaim‚ solidifying its pioneering status․

2․3 The Family Legacy

Tenuta San Guido’s legacy is deeply rooted in the Incisa della Rocchetta family’s vision and dedication․ Marquis Mario Incisa della Rocchetta pioneered Sassicaia‚ while his descendants continue to uphold the estate’s reputation․ The family’s commitment to innovation and quality has cemented their position in the wine world․ Today‚ the estate remains a symbol of tradition and excellence‚ with the next generation actively involved in preserving the legacy of this iconic Tuscan winery․

Wines Produced by Tenuta San Guido

Tenuta San Guido produces three exceptional wines: Sassicaia Bolgheri Sassicaia DOC‚ Guidalberto IGT‚ and Le Difese Toscana IGT‚ each renowned for its unique character and quality․

3․1 Sassicaia Bolgheri Sassicaia DOC

Sassicaia Bolgheri Sassicaia DOC is a pioneering Super Tuscan wine‚ first produced in 1968 by Marquis Mario Incisa della Rocchetta․ This iconic wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc‚ grown in the stony soils of Bolgheri․ Its name‚ meaning “stony ground” in Italian‚ reflects the vineyard’s unique terroir․ Initially labeled as a table wine‚ Sassicaia gained its own DOC status in 1983‚ recognizing its exceptional quality․ Known for its deep ruby color‚ complex aromas of blackcurrant‚ and elegant tannins‚ Sassicaia is a benchmark for Italian fine wines․

3․2 Guidalberto IGT

Guidalberto IGT is a Super Tuscan wine produced by Tenuta San Guido‚ blending Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot․ Named after Guidalberto della Gherardesca‚ it offers a more approachable style than Sassicaia․ Aged in oak barrels‚ it showcases vibrant fruit flavors‚ moderate acidity‚ and soft tannins․ Its bouquet includes notes of blackcurrant‚ cherry‚ and hints of spice․ Pair it with red meats‚ pasta‚ or aged cheeses․ As an IGT Toscana‚ it reflects the estate’s commitment to innovation while maintaining high-quality standards․

3․3 Le Difese Toscana IGT

Le Difese Toscana IGT is a harmonious blend of Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon‚ representing Tenuta San Guido’s entry-level wine․ Aged in oak barrels‚ it offers a vibrant‚ approachable style with bright acidity․ The nose features notes of red berries‚ plum‚ and subtle spice․ On the palate‚ it delivers a balanced mix of fruitiness and moderate tannins․ Pair it with pasta dishes‚ grilled meats‚ or cheeses․ Le Difese embodies the estate’s commitment to accessibility while maintaining the signature quality of its wines․

Vineyards and Winemaking

Tenuta San Guido’s vineyards are known for their unique terroir‚ with stony soils and maritime influence․ The winemaking process emphasizes careful grape selection and aging techniques to ensure premium quality․

4․1 Vineyard Characteristics

Tenuta San Guido’s vineyards are situated in the Bolgheri region of Tuscany‚ known for its unique terroir․ The soils are predominantly stony‚ with gravel and clay‚ providing excellent drainage․ The maritime influence from the nearby Tyrrhenian Sea moderates temperatures‚ ensuring balanced ripening․ The vineyards are planted with Cabernet Sauvignon and other Bordeaux varieties‚ thriving in this environment․ The combination of stony soils‚ maritime breezes‚ and careful viticulture creates a distinctive terroir‚ yielding grapes with intense flavor and structure‚ ideal for crafting premium wines like Sassicaia․

4․2 Winemaking Techniques

Tenuta San Guido employs meticulous winemaking techniques to craft its renowned wines․ Fermentation occurs in stainless steel tanks‚ followed by extended maceration․ Aging takes place in a combination of French and Slavonian oak barrels‚ enhancing complexity․ The estate’s philosophy emphasizes preserving the wine’s unique terroir characteristics while refining its structure․ Giacomo Tachis‚ the legendary oenologist‚ played a pivotal role in shaping these methods․ The result is wines with profound depth‚ elegance‚ and aging potential‚ reflecting the perfect blend of tradition and innovation․

4․3 Commitment to Quality

Tenuta San Guido is synonymous with excellence‚ earning numerous accolades for its wines․ Sassicaia‚ as the first Super Tuscan‚ holds a unique DOC status‚ underscoring the estate’s dedication to quality․ Rigorous vineyard management‚ low yields‚ and meticulous selection ensure only the finest grapes are used․ The winery’s commitment to terroir-driven winemaking and innovative techniques has solidified its reputation as a pioneer in Italian viticulture․ This unwavering focus on quality has made Tenuta San Guido a benchmark for wine producers worldwide․

Sassicaia’s Unique DOC Status

Sassicaia holds the distinction of being the first wine granted its own DOC status‚ a pioneering achievement reflecting its exceptional quality and distinct terroir in Bolgheri․

5․1 The DOC Certification

Sassicaia’s DOC certification is a testament to its exceptional quality and unique terroir․ Initially labeled as a table wine due to its unconventional winemaking methods‚ Sassicaia was granted its own DOC status in 1983․ This recognition highlights its pioneering role in Italian winemaking‚ as it was the first single-estate wine to receive such an honor․ The DOC designation ensures strict adherence to production standards‚ solidifying Sassicaia’s reputation as a landmark wine that embodies the essence of Bolgheri’s stony soils and Bordeaux-inspired craftsmanship․

5․2 Why Sassicaia Stands Out

Sassicaia stands out as a pioneering Super Tuscan wine‚ blending Bordeaux varietals with Tuscan terroir․ Its unique stony soils and maritime climate create a distinct minerality․ The wine’s complexity‚ with notes of dark fruit‚ spice‚ and subtle oak‚ sets it apart․ Sassicaia’s aging potential and balanced tannins make it a benchmark for Italian wines․ Its limited production and historical significance as the first single-estate DOC wine further elevate its exclusivity and acclaim‚ solidifying its legacy as a global wine icon․

Wine Tasting Notes and Pairing

Sassicaia offers a rich‚ ruby-red color with aromas of blackberry‚ cherry‚ and subtle hints of lavender and minerals․ The palate is smooth‚ with flavors of dark fruit‚ spice‚ and oak․

Pairs exceptionally with roasted red meats‚ game birds‚ and aged cheeses․ Its balanced tannins make it ideal for dishes like beef tenderloin or hearty pasta with wild mushrooms․

6․1 Tasting Profile of Sassicaia

Sassicaia is renowned for its deep ruby-red color and complex aroma‚ featuring notes of blackberry‚ black cherry‚ and subtle hints of lavender and minerals․ The palate is refined‚ with a harmonious balance of dark fruit flavors‚ spice‚ and oak nuances․ Smooth‚ velvety tannins contribute to its elegant structure and long‚ satisfying finish․ This wine showcases exceptional aging potential‚ making it a timeless choice for connoisseurs seeking a sophisticated and layered red wine experience that evolves beautifully over time․