Scalabrone
Climate
The 2020 growing season started with mild winter weather and scattered rainfall. A sudden drop in temperatures in March and an unexpected frost at the end of the month caused slight lower yields but quality was not compromised as the buds were still closed. Halfway through April, temperatures were on the rise and spring proceeded normally encouraging excellent flowering and fruit set that took place between the end of May and beginning of June. Summer was hot and dry, uninterrupted by extreme heat events. September was dominated by higher-than-average temperatures up until the final week of the month when the weather turned cool and rainy; such conditions persisted until October. Grapes for Scalabrone were harvested slightly earlier than usual: harvesting began on August 19th with Merlot, continued with Syrah and was completed by September 10th with Cabernet Sauvignon and the other complementary red grape varieties.
Vinification
Each grape variety was harvested and fermented separately. Grapes were destemmed, delicately crushed and transferred to the press for a short maceration period of about 2-4 hours at a low temperature to intensify the richness of emerging aromatic compounds. After pressing, the must was transferred into stainless steel tanks where alcoholic fermentation took place at a controlled temperature of 16 °C (61 °F). Each individual lot was carefully and systematically evaluated and then blended. Scalabrone was bottled in January 2021.
Historical Data
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. The wine takes its name from the bandit “Scalabrone,” who lived in this area in the early 1800s, a local Robin Hood figure who raided ships in Bolgheri’s ancient canal harbor.
Tasting Notes
Scalabrone 2020 is light peony pink in color. Its nose offers intense notes of red berries, in particular cherries and pomegranate, accompanied by floral sensations of rose petals and hawthorn blossoms. Its palate is pleasantly fruity, delicate, with excellent freshness and persistence.
The Wine
Three grape varieties, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and a touch of Syrah, produce a rosé with decisive and intense aromas that reflect the characteristics of Bolgheri’s territory. The wine and vineyard take their name from a bandit named Scalabrone who roamed this area in the 18th century. Vineyards thrive on clay-loam based soils, mainly of alluvial origin, with rocky deposits.
Climate
The 2020 growing season started with mild winter weather and scattered rainfall. A sudden drop in temperatures in March and an unexpected frost at the end of the month caused slight lower yields but quality was not compromised as the buds were still closed. Halfway through April, temperatures were on the rise and spring proceeded normally encouraging excellent flowering and fruit set that took place between the end of May and beginning of June. Summer was hot and dry, uninterrupted by extreme heat events. September was dominated by higher-than-average temperatures up until the final week of the month when the weather turned cool and rainy; such conditions persisted until October. Grapes for Scalabrone were harvested slightly earlier than usual: harvesting began on August 19th with Merlot, continued with Syrah and was completed by September 10th with Cabernet Sauvignon and the other complementary red grape varieties.
Vinification
Each grape variety was harvested and fermented separately. Grapes were destemmed, delicately crushed and transferred to the press for a short maceration period of about 2-4 hours at a low temperature to intensify the richness of emerging aromatic compounds. After pressing, the must was transferred into stainless steel tanks where alcoholic fermentation took place at a controlled temperature of 16 °C (61 °F). Each individual lot was carefully and systematically evaluated and then blended. Scalabrone was bottled in January 2021.
Historical Data
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. The wine takes its name from the bandit “Scalabrone,” who lived in this area in the early 1800s, a local Robin Hood figure who raided ships in Bolgheri’s ancient canal harbor.
Tasting Notes
Scalabrone 2020 is light peony pink in color. Its nose offers intense notes of red berries, in particular cherries and pomegranate, accompanied by floral sensations of rose petals and hawthorn blossoms. Its palate is pleasantly fruity, delicate, with excellent freshness and persistence.
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. 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
Tendentially sandy, deep, fresh, rich in nutrients.
Antinori Estates
Estates in Italy
