Italy is the world’s largest producer of wine, and is home to some of the oldest wine-producing regions. Its contribution is about 45–50 million hl per year, and represents about a quarter of global production.Italian wine is exported around the world, as popular among Italians. Italians rank fifth on the world wine consumption list by volume with 42 litres per capita consumption. Grapes are grown in every region of the country and there are more than one million vineyards under cultivation.
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Sassicaia 2021 Box 6x75cl 14%
Tuscan wine royalty, Tenuta San Guido, releases Sassicaia 2021, the latest vintage of its true iconic flagship wine this February. The 2021, available through importers Armit Wines, has been eagerly anticipated following favourable vintage conditions on the rolling slopes of Bolgheri, towards Tuscany’s stunning western coastline. We sent The Buyer’s very own Italophile, Mike Turner, to taste the wines with Priscilla Incisa della Rocchetta and find out more about what proves to be another much sought-after triumph for the team at Tenuta San Guido.
The Sassicaia 2021 Bolgheri Sassicaia of Tenuta San Guido was obtained from Cabernet Sauvignon (85%) and Cabernet Franc (15%) grapes raised in the prestigious DOC of the same name which is located within Tenuta San Guido, located in the territory of Bolgheri (LI). The vineyards of origin are situated on calcareous soils rich in marl, stones and stones (which give the wine its name) and partly clayey, located at an altitude between 100 and 300 metres above sea level. For this red-masterpiece, the alcoholic fermentation took place in stainless steel at a controlled temperature between 28° and 30° C without the addition of external yeasts. After malolactic fermentation, the wine was transferred to French oak barriques (for 1/3 new wood and for the remainder of the first and second passage) where it was aged for 24 months, keeping the masses separated by vineyard origin. The assembly was in fact carried out only close to bottling. Before release, Sassicaia 2021 rested for a certain period of time in the bottle.
Sassicaia 2021 75cl 14%
Tuscan wine royalty, Tenuta San Guido, releases Sassicaia 2021, the latest vintage of its true iconic flagship wine this February. The 2021, available through importers Armit Wines, has been eagerly anticipated following favourable vintage conditions on the rolling slopes of Bolgheri, towards Tuscany’s stunning western coastline. We sent The Buyer’s very own Italophile, Mike Turner, to taste the wines with Priscilla Incisa della Rocchetta and find out more about what proves to be another much sought-after triumph for the team at Tenuta San Guido.
The Sassicaia 2021 Bolgheri Sassicaia of Tenuta San Guido was obtained from Cabernet Sauvignon (85%) and Cabernet Franc (15%) grapes raised in the prestigious DOC of the same name which is located within Tenuta San Guido, located in the territory of Bolgheri (LI). The vineyards of origin are situated on calcareous soils rich in marl, stones and stones (which give the wine its name) and partly clayey, located at an altitude between 100 and 300 metres above sea level. For this red-masterpiece, the alcoholic fermentation took place in stainless steel at a controlled temperature between 28° and 30° C without the addition of external yeasts. After malolactic fermentation, the wine was transferred to French oak barriques (for 1/3 new wood and for the remainder of the first and second passage) where it was aged for 24 months, keeping the masses separated by vineyard origin. The assembly was in fact carried out only close to bottling. Before release, Sassicaia 2021 rested for a certain period of time in the bottle.
Guidalberto 2016 TENUTA SAN GUIDO Toscana 75cl, 14%
ROBERT PARKER (94)
This wine is showing exceptionally well in this classic vintage. The 2016 Guidalberto (Cabernet Sauvignon and a smaller percentage of Merlot) opens to a full and generous bouquet and a beautifully rich and velvety appearance. This edition of Tenuta San Guido’s mid-level wine offers a bigger aromatic profile, more texture and more volume as well. Dark cherry and blackberry segue to spice, tar, leather and sweet fruit at the end. The mouthfeel is elegantly shaped, silky and nuanced. This may well be the best vintage of Guidalberto I have yet to taste—and you can get this wine at a great price too.
JAMES SUCKLING (95)
This is extremely perfumed with aromas of lavender, cinnamon, blackberries, bark and blackcurrants. Full-bodied, extremely refined and polished. Gorgeous fruit and balance. Best ever bottling of this pretty wine from the producers of Sassicaia?
Barolo DOCG Vignarionda Riserva 75cl, 14.5%
Ruffino Riserva Ducale Oro Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 75cl, 14.5%
Sangiovese wine grapes with some Merlot and Colorina added to the mix. The 2017 Chianti came from a hot vintage with drought conditions. Higher elevation vineyards did enjoy some cooling breezes overnight giving some relief to the grapes and balance to the wine. This example is intense with dark fruit, clove, anise, dark cherry, grilled wild herbs and smoky flavours on the palate with balanced acidity to match. Pour with a meat-lover’s pizza.
Chianti Classico food pairings: meat-sauce pasta, meat lovers’ pizza, beef stew.
Tenuta San Guido Le Difese 75cl, 14%
Le Difese is the most recent addition to the much celebrated Tenuta San Guido (Sassicaia) family of wines, producing its first vintage in 2002. It takes its name from the teeth of the wild boar, depicted in gold on this landmark label. No teeth in the wine however, as you’re treated to delicious flavours from mature Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese vines that blend to produce a seriously approachable and immensely enjoyable glass of wine.
Primarily made with Cabernet Sauvignon (70%), the wine is blended in perfect harmony with Sangiovese (30%), which is grown in the subzone of Chianti Rufina. This produces a distinctly Tuscan character and personality to the wine, leaving the “international” styles to its bigger brothers. A more youthful wine, it’s meant to be enjoyed together and with food, and to be appreciated by new drinkers as well as seasoned fans of Sassicaia and Guidalberto. Le Difese undergoes ageing in French oak barriques that were previously used for Sassicaia and Guidalberto. It can be said that all 3 wines were created using the same DNA!
The 2021 vintage shares more than the DNA of Guidalberto, it has the same seriously high quality and rather than being a “cheaper version”, provides an alternative vision of the estate and its wonderfully rich heritage in Tuscany.
Whilst stock is indeed limited (as with all wines made from this fabulous estate), Le Difese is the most approachable wine in the family and all the more reason to be snapped up quick!
Brancaia IL Blu Rosso Toscana 2018 30TH Anniversary Edition 75cl, 14.5%
Brancaia IL Blu Rosso Toscana 2018 30TH Anniversary Edition 75cl, 14.5%
Dal Forno Romano Valpolicella Ripasso Superiore 2017 75cl, 14.5%
Dal Forno Romano Valpolicella Ripasso Superiore 2017