Guado al Tasso 2009

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.

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

The Wine

A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and occasionally a small amount of Petit Verdot to best represent the complexity and elegance of the Bolgheri terroir. This wine has been produced since 1990 from vineyards on alluvial soils whose composition ranges from clay-sand to clay-loam with rocky deposits know as “scheletro”.

Climate

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. The grape harvest began with Merlot at the beginning of September, continued with Cabernet Franc from the beginning to mid-month, and was completed with Cabernet Sauvignon at the end of September.

Vinification

Upon arrival 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 tradition, 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 was 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.

Historical Data

A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and occasionally a small amount of Petit Verdot to best represent the complex and elegant terroir found in Bolgheri. This wine has been produced since 1990 from vineyards on alluvial soils whose composition ranges from clay-sand to clay-loam with rocky deposits known as “scheletro”.

Tasting Notes

Guado al Tasso 2022 is an intense ruby red color. The nose opens with floral notes and aromas of red fruit that lead over to hints of sweet spices especially tobacco and licorice root. The palate is silky and savory 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.

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. 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).