Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot
75cl * 14% ABV * Bolgheri DOC, Italy
Guado al Tasso comes from Antinori’s Bolgheri estate, one of the most celebrated names along the Tuscan coast. The vineyards lie in the “Bolgheri Amphitheatre,” a natural plain encircled by hills and opening toward the Tyrrhenian Sea. This unique geography shapes an ideal microclimate of warm days, cool nights, and steady maritime breezes - conditions that allow the grapes to ripen fully while preserving freshness and aromatic precision.
The estate spans 320 hectares under vine, atop a fine gravel known locally as scheletro. These soils are particularly suited to Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc - the core varieties that define this wine.
The 2022 growing season in Bolgheri was impacted by drought conditions that started at the end of winter and lasted throughout most of summer. These climatic conditions prompted early budbreak as well as all other phenological phases of flowering, fruit set and veraison. Mid-August brought rain showers that proved to be beneficial for the vines' most critical ripening period. These weather trends guaranteed perfectly healthy fruit but, on the other hand slowed down vegetative growth and reduced berry size. At harvest time, the grapes registered a good balance between sugar levels, acidity and ripeness, thanks to the rain showers in August.
In the cellar, the grapes were sorted on two different occasions, once before destemming and again immediately after to guarantee that only perfectly ripe berries reached fermentation vats. Keeping with traditions, each single vineyard parcel was subdivided into smaller blocks and the grapes were harvested separately based on climate trends and individual characteristics of each grape variety and then fermented separately. Fermentation and maceration took place in temperature controlled stainless steel vats for 18-25 days. After racking operations, the wine was transferred directly into barriques where malolactic fermentation was completed by the end of the year. In February, wine from the very best vineyard blocks were selected and the final blend was made. Guado al Tasso was again transferred into new French oak barriques where it aged up until bottling which took place in May 2024.
In the glass, it is an intense ruby red. The nose opens with floral notes and aromas of red fruit that lead over to hints of sweet spices especially tobacco and liquorice root. The palate is silky and savoury with outstanding balance and dimension that balance perfectly with the elegant tannic structure. This wine can be enjoyed immediately but has excellent aging potential for the years to come.
A superb vintage of exceptional concentration and balance, and the perfect pairing for grilled or roasted red meats, game dishes, and mature cheeses. Drink now to 2050