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”.
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 2021 growing season in Bolgheri was impacted by a long period of drought that lasted from June throughout September. However, unlike the 2017 vintage, winter was particularly rainy which contributed to replenishing groundwater reserves in the deep soils that characterize this territory. The vines had the necessary soil moisture for the entire growth cycle. Spring was cool resulting in a slight delay in bud break and flowering. Temperatures during the summer months were never excessive and ensured a normal, gradual ripening phase of the fruit in each vineyard parcel and produced berries that were whole and perfectly healthy. The grape harvest began with Merlot at the beginning of September, continued with Cabernet Franc mid-September and was completed at the end of the month with Cabernet Sauvignon. All three grape varieties presented exceptional concentration of fruit flavors and extract, defining 2021 as a superb vintage.
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 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, 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 July 2023.
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 2021 is an intense ruby red color. The palate is intense and complex with captivating aromas of currants, blackberries and blood oranges followed by undertones of spices, tobacco, licorice, and roasted coffee. The palate is mouth filling and persistent, bursting with vibrant silky tannins. A powerful yet graceful vintage with outstanding aging potential.
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).
Antinori Estates
Estates in Italy
