Matarocchio
The Wine
Il Matarocchio was inspired by the desire to create, at the Guado al Tasso estate, a wine that was the maximum expression both of a single grape variety and a single vineyard plot. Il Matarocchio was born precisely from one of these sites and is a wine of great elegance and depth, one which springs exclusively from its source of origin and from a remarkable vintage such as 2007.
The Wine
Il Matarocchio was inspired by the desire to create, at the Guado al Tasso estate, a wine that was the maximum expression both of a single grape variety and a single vineyard plot. Il Matarocchio was born precisely from one of these sites and is a wine of great elegance and depth, one which springs exclusively from its source of origin and from a remarkable vintage such as 2007.
Climate
The 2022 growing season in Bolgheri was characterized by scarce rainfall from the final stages of winter through much of the summer. These climatic conditions led to an early onset of budbreak as well as all subsequent phenological phases, including flowering, fruit set, and veraison. From mid-August onward, the arrival of rainfall proved beneficial during the crucial ripening period. This seasonal trend ensured excellent grape health while also favoring reduced vegetative growth and smaller berry size. Thanks to the August rainfall, grapes at harvest showed a good balance between sugar levels, acidity, and fruit maturity, together with pronounced varietal aromatic expression. Cabernet Franc for Matarocchio was harvested between September 14th and 21st.
Vinification
The grapes were hand harvested and, after careful berry-by-berry sorting, gently crushed. Alcoholic fermentation and the subsequent maceration took place in stainless steel tanks for 25 days at a controlled temperature of 28 °C (82 °F). The wine was then transferred into second and third fill French oak barriques, where malolactic fermentation was completed. It subsequently aged for 18 months in new French oak barriques; after careful tastings, the finest barrels were selected and blended to craft Matarocchio. The wine then rested in the bottle for over a year before being released to the market.
Historical Data
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 about 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. 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.
Tasting Notes
Matarocchio 2022 is an intense ruby red color. On the nose it is seductive, with spicy notes of white pepper and pleasant aromas of sage, juniper, tobacco leaves, blackcurrant, and violet. On the palate it is enveloping, intense, and deep; sweet, silky tannins support an elegant mouthfeel of great balance and persistence. A vintage that is already enjoyable upon release, while also showing excellent aging potential.
Tenuta Guado al Tasso
Tenuta Guado al Tasso is located in the small but prestigious Bolgheri DOC appellation on the coast of Upper Maremma, about one hundred kilometers southwest of Florence. This appellation has a relatively recent history, having been established in 1994, yet it has gained worldwide recognition as a new reference point in the international wine scene. Tenuta Guado al Tasso extends over approximately 320 hectares of vineyards set within a beautiful plain surrounded by rolling hills, known as the “Bolgheri amphitheater” for its distinctive shape. The estate’s vineyards are planted predominantly with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Syrah and Vermentino, the latter cultivated in both white- and red-berried forms. 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 clear skies and a high level of sunlight exposure.
Antinori Estates
Estates in Italy
