Tenuta San Guido

Tenuta San Guido – The Revolutionary Super Tuscan at the Heart of Maremma

Tenuta San Guido is one of the most prestigious vineyards in Tuscany, particularly along the Tyrrhenian coast. It is world-renowned for introducing one of the first "Super Tuscans": Sassicaia. Located in the region of Maremma, the estate spans approximately 13 kilometers, from the sea to the surrounding hills. Founded by Mario Incisa della Rocchetta, Tenuta San Guido today is synonymous with tradition, innovation, and quality. This article invites you to delve into the history, grape varieties, wines, and legacy of this iconic estate.

History of Tenuta San Guido

The Creation of the Estate by Mario Incisa della Rocchetta

Tenuta San Guido has its roots in the 1920s when an aristocrat and racehorse breeder, Mario Incisa della Rocchetta, decided to realize a dream: to create a wine that would rival the great Bordeaux crus. Inspired by his passion for Bordeaux wines, he embarked on an ambitious project—to plant Cabernet Sauvignon vines in the Tuscan lands, a revolutionary decision at a time when local grape varieties like Sangiovese dominated.

Mario Incisa was convinced that the soils of Maremma, near the Tyrrhenian coast, had characteristics similar to those of the Graves region in Bordeaux, France. This intuition proved to be a stroke of genius that, although initially criticized, would forever change the Tuscan wine landscape.

The Bordeaux Inspiration

Mario Incisa della Rocchetta drew direct inspiration from Bordeaux methods, particularly from the wines of the Left Bank, known for their blends of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. By choosing to cultivate these grape varieties instead of traditional Tuscan varieties, he upended local norms. The first vintage of his iconic wine, Sassicaia, was produced in 1948, but it would take several decades for the world to recognize the true quality of this unique wine.

The Vineyard of Tenuta San Guido

The Lands and Terroir of Maremma

The Tenuta San Guido estate stretches over a vast territory, from the Tyrrhenian Sea to the hills, covering about 2,500 hectares. The Mediterranean climate, influenced by the proximity to the sea, offers ideal conditions for vine cultivation. The soils range from sand to limestone, with areas rich in pebbles that promote slow and balanced grape ripening.

The Cabernet Sauvignon vines, the estate's main grape variety, are planted in gravelly, well-drained soils. This strongly echoes the conditions found in the Graves region of France, explaining why Mario Incisa della Rocchetta saw immense potential in these lands.

Climatic Conditions and Maritime Influence

The Maremma region, benefiting from proximity to the Tyrrhenian Sea, enjoys a unique microclimate. Hot and sunny summers are tempered by sea breezes, while mild winters allow the vines to rest without water stress. These exceptional climatic conditions contribute to the quality and consistency of the wines produced at Tenuta San Guido.

The Wines of the Estate

Sassicaia, an Exceptional Wine

The most famous wine of the estate is undoubtedly Sassicaia, often considered one of the best Italian wines, if not worldwide. Born from a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and a small amount of Cabernet Franc, Sassicaia is unique in Tuscany and contributed to the creation of the "Super Tuscan" category. This complex wine, with an impressive aging potential, is regularly praised for its balance between power and elegance.

Sassicaia's history is marked by a difficult beginning. The first vintages did not meet great success, mainly because the wine needed time to reach its full potential. It was as it aged that Sassicaia revealed its full grandeur, prompting Mario Incisa della Rocchetta to continue his experiments and refinements.

Guidalberto, the Second Wine

In 2000, Nicolo Incisa della Rocchetta, Mario's son, decided to create a second wine: Guidalberto. This wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, with the idea of offering a wine that could be enjoyed younger than Sassicaia. Guidalberto is more accessible in terms of price but maintains a very high quality level, making it a highly sought-after wine among enthusiasts.

Le Difese, a More Accessible Wine

In 2003, a third wine was introduced: Le Difese. Less complex than its predecessors, it is a lighter red wine, perfect for regular consumption. Made from Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese, it offers a more affordable alternative while reflecting the excellence of the estate.

The Importance of Grape Varieties at Tenuta San Guido

Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot

The main grape varieties used in the wines of Tenuta San Guido are Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, two emblematic varieties of the great Bordeaux wines. Introducing these grape varieties to Tuscany, a region historically dominated by Sangiovese, was a bold decision that allowed Tenuta San Guido to stand out and produce wines of great depth with exceptional aging potential.

Innovation in Tuscan Tradition

Tenuta San Guido is a perfect example of innovation within tradition. By choosing non-native grape varieties, Mario Incisa della Rocchetta broke conventions while respecting the richness of the Tuscan terroir. This visionary approach led to the birth of a new category of wines, the "Super Tuscans," which revolutionized the Italian wine industry.

Winemaking Techniques

From Cellar to Bottle

Winemaking at Tenuta San Guido is based on expertise that combines tradition and modernity. Grapes are carefully hand-selected, then fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. This process preserves the freshness and integrity of the aromas while ensuring optimal tannin extraction.

Aging in French Barrels

The aging of the wines, notably Sassicaia, is done in French oak barrels, a choice inspired by Bordeaux practices. This method imparts an elegant tannic structure and complex aromas of ripe fruits, tobacco, and cedar to the wine. Sassicaia is typically aged for about 18 to 24 months before bottling.

The Impact of Sassicaia in the Wine World

The "Super Tuscan" Status

Sassicaia is one of the first wines to receive the designation "Super Tuscan." This term refers to wines produced in Tuscany but outside the strict rules of the Chianti appellation, often using international grape varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot. The success of Sassicaia paved the way for many other producers in the region, thereby redefining the reputation of Tuscan wines on the international stage.

International Recognition

Since its first commercialization in 1968, Sassicaia has received numerous international awards, contributing to the global fame of Tenuta San Guido. Today, it is considered one of the best wines in the world, with vintages fetching very high prices on the market. The success of Sassicaia has also played a major role in the rise of wine tourism in Tuscany, attracting thousands of wine enthusiasts each year.

FAQ About Tenuta San Guido

What is Sassicaia? Sassicaia is the most iconic wine of Tenuta San Guido, often considered one of the best Italian wines. It is a complex red wine based on Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, with great aging potential.

What is a Super Tuscan? A Super Tuscan is a wine produced in Tuscany but that does not comply with the strict rules of traditional appellations like Chianti. These wines often use international grape varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.

What is the second wine of Tenuta San Guido? Guidalberto is the second wine of Tenuta San Guido, a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, designed to be enjoyed younger than Sassicaia.

How does Sassicaia age? Sassicaia ages very well thanks to its tannic structure and complexity. It can be stored for several decades under optimal cellar conditions.

How can I visit Tenuta San Guido? The estate is open to visitors and offers guided tours of the vineyards and cellars, as well as wine tastings. It is recommended to book in advance.

What is the price of a bottle of Sassicaia? The price of a bottle of Sassicaia varies depending on the vintage but can reach several hundred euros for the rarest and most prestigious vintages.

Conclusion

Tenuta San Guido is much more than a simple wine estate. It embodies excellence, innovation, and a passion for producing world-class wines. Sassicaia, in particular, has made a significant mark on the history of wine in Tuscany and continues to be a symbol of quality and prestige. If you have the opportunity to taste a wine from Tenuta San Guido, you will discover an incomparable gustatory experience, rich in history and expertise.