Tenuta San Guido : Guidalberto 2019

A smooth and delicate Tuscan red wine by Tenuta San Guido

The estate

An essential fine Tuscan wine reference and located between Livorno and Grosseto, the Tenuta San Guido estate was born following the wedding between Marquis Mario Incisa della Rocchetta and Clarice della Gherardesca. In 1942, Mario decided to plant Cabernet Sauvignon vines in this part of Tuscany, that would become Sassicaia a few years later. In 1983, Tenuta San Guido became the first estate in Italy to be granted its own appellation with the consecration of the DOC Bolgheri in 1983.

The wine

Tenuta San Guido's Guidalberto 2019 stems from a vineyard planted on a patchwork of soil rich in limestone, pebbles and clay. This terroir, situated between 100 and 300 metres above sea level, benefits from a south/southwest sun exposure.

Through this wine, Nicolò Incisa Della Rocchetta refers to his grandfather, Guidalberto della Gherardesca, a pioneer of modern agriculture who lived in Bolgheri in the early 19th century. Wishing to perpetuate the pioneering and innovative spirit of his family, Nicolò Incisa explains that he created this new vintage in 2000 in order to experiment with the cultivation of a new grape variety on the estate, Merlot, but also to offer a wine that could be enjoyed in its youth to his customers.

The vintage

The winter was particularly cold and dry. Although the beginning of March was punctuated by warm, sunny days, April was marked by cool temperatures and rain, and in particular two episodes of hail. These difficult weather conditions impacted the vineyard, delayed the crop development and reduced yields. Particularly hot and sunny weather in mid-June enabled the flowering and the fruit set of the vines, both of which benefited from very good weather conditions. The subsequent alternation between seasonal temperatures and rainfall salvaged the vineyard and prevented it from suffering from water stress.

The vinification and ageing

Manual harvesting. Manual sorting and rigorous selection on a sorting table. Destemming and slow pressing to favour a gentle extraction of the tannins. Alcoholic fermentation in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks without adding additional yeast. Maceration for 13 to 18 days. Malolactic fermentation. Aged in barrels (20% American oak barrels) for 15 months, with a further 3 months in bottle before being released onto the market.

The blend

This 2019 Guidalberto by Tenuta San Guido comprises a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (60%) and Merlot (40%).

The tasting

This fine Tuscan wine will seduce the palate with its beautiful concentration as well as its ripe and elegant tannins sustained by a smooth acidity.