Guado al Tasso 2018

Climate

The 2018 vintage’s growing season saw frequent rain showers especially during winter and springtime. These climatic conditions abundantly replenished groundwater reserves that were significantly depleted after the drier 2017 season. Bud break was delayed by about one week compared to seasonal averages. Summer trends proceeded normally with hot, dry weather creating ideal conditions for a slow, steady ripening phase. September, with virtually no rainfall at all, was dominated by temperatures higher than 2017 however were affected by cooler nights. Harvest time was slightly later for Merlot, picking went from September 5th through the 22nd; and was right on schedule for Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, harvested between September 15th and October 5th.

Vinification

Upon arrival in the cellar, grapes were sorted on two separate occasions; once before destemming and again immediately after to guarantee that only perfectly ripe berries reached fermentation vats. Each single vineyard parcel was subdivided into smaller blocks and grapes were harvested separately based on climatic trends and individual characteristics of each grape variety and then fermented separately. Fermentation and maceration took place in temperature controlled stainless steel vats for 15 - 20 days. After racking operations, the wine was transferred directly into barriques where malolactic fermentation was completed by the end of the year. In February, we selected wine from the very best vineyard blocks and made the final blend. Guado al Tasso was then transferred into new French oak barriques where it aged up until bottling in the month of April 2020.

Tasting Notes

Guado al Tasso 2018 is an intense ruby red color. The nose opens with captivating notes of sweet spices and small dark ripe fruit, licorice root, leather and tobacco. On the palate the tannins are graceful: silky on entry and vibrant on the finish. Guado al Tasso 2018 is harmonious with excellent balance and pleasantness, it’s most certainly less powerful than the 2017 vintage, but perhaps for this reason is more refined and elegant.

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).