Guado al Tasso
The Wine
First produced in 1990, Guado al Tasso is the wine through which Marchesi Antinori has deepened its understanding and interpretation of Bolgheri, contributing to turning the potential of this terroir into an identity recognized around the world. Its name evokes Bolgheri as it once was: a landscape shaped by natural fords and untamed nature. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot, sourced from vineyards at the foot of the Bolgheri amphitheater, are blended in proportions that vary with each vintage, expressing both the character of the territory and the distinctive qualities of the year. Guado al Tasso is a mosaic of terroir, defined by intensity and balance, with tannic finesse as its stylistic signature.
Historical Data
First produced in 1990, Guado al Tasso is the wine through which Marchesi Antinori has deepened its understanding and interpretation of Bolgheri, contributing to turning the potential of this terroir into an identity recognized around the world. Its name evokes Bolgheri as it once was: a landscape shaped by natural fords and untamed nature. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot, sourced from vineyards at the foot of the Bolgheri amphitheater, are blended in proportions that vary with each vintage, expressing both the character of the territory and the distinctive qualities of the year. Guado al Tasso is a mosaic of terroir, defined by intensity and balance, with tannic finesse as its stylistic signature.
The Wine
First produced in 1990, Guado al Tasso is the wine through which Marchesi Antinori has deepened its understanding and interpretation of Bolgheri, contributing to turning the potential of this terroir into an identity recognized around the world. Its name evokes Bolgheri as it once was: a landscape shaped by natural fords and untamed nature. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot, sourced from vineyards at the foot of the Bolgheri amphitheater, are blended in proportions that vary with each vintage, expressing both the character of the territory and the distinctive qualities of the year. Guado al Tasso is a mosaic of terroir, defined by intensity and balance, with tannic finesse as its stylistic signature.
The Bolgheri Amphitheater
The Guado al Tasso estate’s most characteristic geographic feature is the Bolgheri Amphitheater, a beautiful plain encircled by rolling hillsides that faces the Tyrrhenian Sea. The shape of the territory creates a unique microclimate with beneficial temperature fluctuations. The estate’s vineyards are located at the foot of the amphitheater, an optimal position as cold nocturnal breezes cool down the vines. These particular climatic conditions give the grapes pronounced aromas and guarantee a perfect ripening of the berries.
Te Duce Proficio
Guado al Tasso added the Antinori family’s historic family crest on the capsules.
A Tribute to the Della Gherardesca Family
Guado al Tasso designed a label with the Della Gherardesca family crest and the initials DG as a tribute to the former estate owners.
Climate
The 2009 growing season was characterized by three successive phases: an early period punctuated by significant rainfall, then warm and sunny weather until mid-September and an early harvest for the Merlot. Cool and occasionally rainy weather in September delayed picking, but both Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot benefitted from this additional time on the vine to achieve important levels of ripeness and complexity.
Vinification
A careful selection first in the vineyard and then in the cellars,- both before and after destemming, - preceded a soft pressing of the grapes, harvested and fermented parcel by parcel for a whole series of different wines to blend. A moderately warm fermentation used delicate extraction techniques to insure elegance and suppleness. The malolactic fermentation and 18 months of aging took place in small oak barrels. Ten months of bottle aging preceded the release.
Historical Data
First produced in 1990, Guado al Tasso is the wine through which Marchesi Antinori has deepened its understanding and interpretation of Bolgheri, contributing to turning the potential of this terroir into an identity recognized around the world. Its name evokes Bolgheri as it once was: a landscape shaped by natural fords and untamed nature. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot, sourced from vineyards at the foot of the Bolgheri amphitheater, are blended in proportions that vary with each vintage, expressing both the character of the territory and the distinctive qualities of the year. Guado al Tasso is a mosaic of terroir, defined by intensity and balance, with tannic finesse as its stylistic signature.
Tasting Notes
On the nose the initial balsamic sensations are followed by aromas of ripe fruit and spices, on the palate is velvety, with soft tannins and much finesse. The finish and aftertaste are well supported by savory mineral notes and much length and persistence.
Awards
I vini di Veronelli 2013 Super Tre Stelle Italy Associazione Italiana Sommelier "Duemilavini 2013" Guide 5 Grappoli Italy Annuario L. Maroni 90/100 Italy Wine Spectator 91/100 USA Wine Enthusiast 98/100 + Cellar Selection USA Wine Advocate 94/100 USA Antonio Galloni 94/100 USA Falstaff 93/100 Austria James Suckling 97/100 USA Int Wine Cellar 93/100 USA
Datasheet
Tenuta Guado Al Tasso
The Guado al Tasso estate is located in the small but prestigious Bolgheri DOC, on the coast of upper Maremma, about one hundred kilometers southwest from Florence. This appellation has a relatively recent history, DOC Bolgheri was approved in 1995 and since then it has become an internationally recognized reference point for the Italian and international winemaking arena. The estate covers an area of 320 hectares (790 acres) planted with vines, set in a beautiful plain encircled by rolling hillsides known as the "Bolgheri Amphitheatre" due to its particular shape. The vineyards are planted to Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Vermentino Nero and Bianco. There is also a small presence of Grenache, Petit Verdot, Viognier and Sémillon. The nearby sea provides a mild climate with constant breezes that mitigate summer heat and alleviate harsh winter weather, maintaining a clear sky and a high level of sunlight exposure.
Soil
Alluvial in origin, soils vary from sandy-clay to silty-clay and in some areas good presence of very fine gravel called scheletro (also known as agglomerate from Bolgheri).
Antinori Estates
Estates in Italy
