Complete with producer profiles and tags
Tenuta San Guido
57022 Castagneto Carducci, Province of Livorno, Italia
Categories
Iconic Producers
Location
Coastal Appellations - Bolgheri Sassicaia
Inextricable from the evolution of Italian wine, the legend of Sassicaia has been relentlessly recounted. Born as a Vino da Tavola, this Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant vanguard of the Super Tuscan movement eventually helped spawn the IGT classification and provided the model on which fine Bolgheri reds were fashioned.
Created by Mario Incisa della Rocchetta and honed with the help of Giacomo Tachis, Sassicaia’s renown and production grew under Mario’s son Nicolò. Today, the latter’s daughter Priscilla assumes the role of Brand Ambassador for Tenuta San Guido. Despite such noble legacy, she remains refreshingly humble. Equally forthright is CEO Carlo Paoli who took over from Tachis in 2009.
The estate doesn’t cultivate a sense of inaccessibility, nor should its other two labels be considered second or third wines as in the Bordeaux model. Nicolò launched the Merlot-led Guidalberto in 2000. It hails from specific plots of clay with stone – rather than sand. One-quarter of the price of Sassicaia, it is meant to be more approachable and expressive in youth but still age worthy.
Le Difese is San Guido’s entry point. Blending estate-grown Cabernet Sauvignon with Sangiovese purchased from two families in Rufino and Montespertoli, it represents a panorama of Tuscany.
As for Sassicaia, it is still among Italy’s most expensive, sought-after wines, even at its current average production of approximately 200,000 bottles per year. Older celebrated vintages like 1972, 1985 and 1988 are true unicorns. But for all its fanfare, Sassicaia is not a wine that wows immediately. Instead, it woos gradually.
Created by Mario Incisa della Rocchetta and honed with the help of Giacomo Tachis, Sassicaia’s renown and production grew under Mario’s son Nicolò. Today, the latter’s daughter Priscilla assumes the role of Brand Ambassador for Tenuta San Guido. Despite such noble legacy, she remains refreshingly humble. Equally forthright is CEO Carlo Paoli who took over from Tachis in 2009.
The estate doesn’t cultivate a sense of inaccessibility, nor should its other two labels be considered second or third wines as in the Bordeaux model. Nicolò launched the Merlot-led Guidalberto in 2000. It hails from specific plots of clay with stone – rather than sand. One-quarter of the price of Sassicaia, it is meant to be more approachable and expressive in youth but still age worthy.
Le Difese is San Guido’s entry point. Blending estate-grown Cabernet Sauvignon with Sangiovese purchased from two families in Rufino and Montespertoli, it represents a panorama of Tuscany.
As for Sassicaia, it is still among Italy’s most expensive, sought-after wines, even at its current average production of approximately 200,000 bottles per year. Older celebrated vintages like 1972, 1985 and 1988 are true unicorns. But for all its fanfare, Sassicaia is not a wine that wows immediately. Instead, it woos gradually.
Flagship Wines
Tenuta San Guido Sassicaia
Tenuta San Guido Guidalberto