Tenuta San Guido Sassicaia (750Ml)

Tenuta San Guido Sassicaia is an iconic wine that has redefined the world of Italian winemaking and earned a revered place in the hearts of wine enthusiasts globally. Produced in the Bolgheri region of Tuscany, this Super Tuscan wine is crafted primarily from Cabernet Sauvignon, with a smaller amount of Cabernet Franc. Sassicaias rich legacy dates back to the 1940s when Marchese Mario Incisa della Rocchetta first planted these varietals on his estate. Inspired by Bordeaux-style wines, Sassicaia quickly became known for its unique expression of Italian terroir and its remarkable ability to age gracefully. Today, it remains a symbol of excellence and innovation in the wine world.

Taste and Flavor Profile

Sassicaia is a wine of exceptional depth and complexity. It opens with a vibrant fruit profile, showcasing ripe dark berries such as blackberries and black currants, interwoven with earthy undertones that evoke the rolling Tuscan landscape. As the wine breathes, it develops a more refined profile, highlighting notes of tobacco, leather, and herbstypical of the Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc blend. The oak influence is present but not overpowering, adding a layer of complexity with hints of vanilla and a subtle smokiness. The tannins are well-integrated and firm, offering structure, while the acidity provides balance, ensuring that the wine is both powerful and refreshing. Over time, Sassicaia evolves in the glass, revealing additional nuances like dried herbs, dark chocolate, and a slight minerality that is characteristic of the Bolgheri terroir.

Aroma & Bouquet

The aroma of Tenuta San Guido Sassicaia is as captivating as its flavor. The bouquet is initially rich with ripe black fruits, but as the wine unfolds, it reveals a more complex symphony of scents. Subtle floral notes of violets and lavender give way to deeper, savory aromas of tobacco, leather, and spices like clove and cinnamon. There is also a distinct herbal qualitythink of rosemary and sageenhancing the wines earthy and slightly balsamic character. The bouquet is multi-layered and ever-evolving, making it a pleasure to explore with each swirl of the glass.

Smooth & Finish

Sassicaia is celebrated for its velvety smooth texture and lingering finish. The wines tannins, though present, are never harsh, offering a refined, silky mouthfeel. The finish is long and elegant, with an aftertaste that recalls the wines rich complexity. Youll find a balance between the fruit-forward flavors and the savory elements, leaving the palate refreshed yet satisfied. Over time, Sassicaias finish softens and deepens, as the wine continues to age and evolve in the bottle.

Craftsmanship and Distillation

The winemaking process at Tenuta San Guido is a blend of tradition and innovation, showcasing the winerys commitment to excellence. The estates vineyards are meticulously managed to ensure the highest quality fruit. The grapes are hand-harvested, and the fermentation process takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks to preserve the freshness of the fruit. After fermentation, the wine undergoes aging in French oak barrels for about 24 months, with an additional period of bottle aging before release. This careful attention to detail, along with the winerys selection of only the finest fruit, ensures that each bottle of Sassicaia embodies the skill and passion of the winemakers.

How To Enjoy

Sassicaia is best enjoyed in a way that allows its complex flavors to truly shine. While it can be enjoyed upon release, its potential for aging is extraordinary. Those lucky enough to have access to older vintages will be rewarded with even more evolved flavors and aromas. To fully experience Sassicaia, serve it at a temperature between 16C and 18C (60F-64F). Decanting is recommended, especially for younger bottles, to allow the wine to breathe and open up, enhancing its bouquet and flavor profile. Pairing it with a fine meal will elevate the experience even further, making it a wine meant for special occasions.

Food Pairing and Serving Suggestions

Sassicaia pairs beautifully with a wide range of dishes, thanks to its bold structure and rich flavor profile. For a classic Italian pairing, serve it with a hearty steak, such as a Tuscan Bistecca alla Fiorentina. The wines tannins cut through the richness of the meat, while the smoky, herbal notes complement the grilled flavors. It also pairs wonderfully with other rich, savory dishes, such as braised lamb, roasted game, or a well-aged cheese like Parmigiano Reggiano or Pecorino. For those with a more adventurous palate, Sassicaia can also accompany dishes like wild mushroom risotto or even truffle pasta, where its earthy notes harmonize with the earthiness of the ingredients. Sassicaia is also versatile enough to complement grilled vegetables or a simple yet flavorful margherita pizza.

Who Is It For?

Tenuta San Guido Sassicaia is for the discerning wine lover who appreciates the artistry and history behind exceptional wines. This is a wine that appeals to collectors, connoisseurs, and enthusiasts who value not only the taste but also the story behind each bottle. Its perfect for those who enjoy wines with complexity, balance, and aging potential. Whether youre hosting a special dinner, adding to your wine cellar, or enjoying a quiet evening, Sassicaia brings elegance to any occasion.

Who Is It Not For?

Sassicaia may not be for those who prefer lighter, more approachable wines. Its depth and intensity, while refined, may be overwhelming for someone new to wine or those who prefer wines with less tannin or oak influence. Additionally, if you enjoy sweeter, fruit-forward wines like many New World wines, Sassicaias earthy, savory, and structured profile might not appeal to your taste.

What Makes It Stand Out?

Sassicaias unique place in the wine world lies in its combination of Italian heritage and Bordeaux-inspired winemaking. As one of the pioneering Super Tuscans, it broke with traditional Italian winemaking practices by incorporating Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, varieties typically associated with Bordeaux, into Tuscanys wine scene. The result is a wine that bridges the best of both worlds: the depth and structure of Bordeaux with the distinctive Italian character of Tuscany. Its consistent quality and ability to age beautifully over decades make it a standout choice among fine wines.

Awards & Recognition

Sassicaia has received numerous accolades over the years, cementing its reputation as one of Italys finest wines. It has earned high scores from wine critics, including multiple 95+ ratings from Robert Parkers Wine Advocate. The 1985 vintage, in particular, received legendary acclaim, and each subsequent release continues to garner praise for its consistent excellence. Sassicaia is regularly awarded gold medals at prestigious wine competitions and is a mainstay in top wine lists worldwide.

Compare with Similar Items

When compared to other renowned Italian reds, such as Ornellaia or Tignanello, Sassicaia stands out for its emphasis on balance and elegance. While Ornellaia is known for its boldness and depth, Sassicaia offers a more restrained and harmonious expression of the Super Tuscan style. Tignanello, another famed Super Tuscan, is often fruitier and less tannic, whereas Sassicaia brings a more complex, structured profile with aging potential.

Brand Legacy and Heritage

Tenuta San Guido is a brand steeped in tradition and innovation. The winerys history is deeply rooted in the vision of Mario Incisa della Rocchetta, who believed in the potential of Tuscany to produce world-class wines. His pioneering efforts in planting Bordeaux varietals in Bolgheri set the stage for what would become the Super Tuscan movement. Today, the estate remains family-owned, and its commitment to producing wines of exceptional quality continues to define the legacy of Sassicaia. The winerys respect for its terroir, alongside its pursuit of excellence, ensures that every bottle of Sassicaia is a tribute to both the land and the generations of winemakers who have worked tirelessly to perfect it.