Frequently Asked Questions
Indulge in the elegance of **Guado al Tasso Bolgheri Superiore**, a masterpiece by Marchesi Antinori that epitomizes the essence of Tuscany's prestigious Bolgheri DOC region. This iconic red blend—featuring Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc—boasts a deep ruby hue and an aromatic bouquet of currants, blackberries, and blood oranges, accentuated by hints of licorice, tobacco, and roasted coffee. On the palate, its vibrant, silky tannins and harmonious complexity reveal layers of dark fruit, spices, and mineral notes, offering both power and finesse. Crafted from meticulously selected grapes grown in alluvial soils and aged in French oak, Guado al Tasso is not just a wine but an extraordinary sensory journey, promising exceptional aging potential and a timeless connection to the Tuscan terroir.
Process & Profile
Guado al Tasso is a harmonious blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot, occasionally complemented by Petit Verdot. The winemaking process involves meticulous grape sorting, fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats, and aging in French oak barrels for over a year, ensuring complexity and balance. The vineyards benefit from the unique microclimate of the Bolgheri Amphitheater, where cooling sea breezes and alluvial soils contribute to the wine's finesse and structure.Tasting Notes
Guado al Tasso is characterized by its intense ruby red hue and a vibrant aromatic profile. The nose reveals layers of blackberries, currants, tobacco, and licorice, with hints of cinnamon, roasted coffee, and balsamic accents. On the palate, it is full-bodied, with a velvety tannic structure and dynamic flavors of dark fruits, mocha, and spice. A fresh minerality and long, persistent finish elevate the sensory experience.What Makes It Special
- Heritage and Terroir: Produced since 1990, Guado al Tasso epitomizes the Bolgheri terroir, combining tradition with innovation. The vineyard's proximity to the Tyrrhenian Sea and its alluvial soils impart the wine with a remarkable balance of elegance and power.
- Distinctive Blend: A growing emphasis on Cabernet Franc enhances the wine's aromatic complexity and precision, reflecting Antinori's response to evolving climates and winemaking trends.
- Exceptional Aging Potential: Guado al Tasso develops beautifully over decades, gaining depth and refinement, making it an excellent choice for collectors.
How to Enjoy
- Pairing: The wine pairs wonderfully with rich dishes such as roasted lamb, game meats, or hearty Italian fare like osso buco and truffle-stuffed pasta. Its structure also complements aged cheeses like Parmigiano Reggiano.
- Serving: To fully savor this wine, decant it 2–3 hours before serving at 16–18°C (60–65°F). While the current vintage can be enjoyed now, aging it for a few years will unlock its full potential.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Guado al Tasso?
Guado al Tasso is a prestigious Super Tuscan wine produced by Marchesi Antinori at their Tenuta Guado al Tasso estate in Bolgheri, Italy. It is a red blend primarily made from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc, occasionally incorporating Petit Verdot. The wine embodies the elegance and complexity of the Bolgheri terroir and has been in production since 1990.
What is the flavor profile of Guado al Tasso?
Guado al Tasso is celebrated for its complex and refined flavor profile. Tasting notes typically include ripe blackberries, black cherries, spices, cocoa, espresso, and tobacco. The palate is rich, vibrant, and dynamic, with silky tannins, precise acidity, and a long, elegant finish.
How is the wine produced?
The grapes for Guado al Tasso are hand-harvested and rigorously sorted to ensure only the best berries are used. Each variety and vineyard block is fermented separately in stainless steel vats for 15–20 days. The wine undergoes malolactic fermentation in French oak barrels, where it is aged for about 14–16 months. The final blend is crafted from the best lots before bottling.
What makes Guado al Tasso unique?
The Guado al Tasso estate is located in a natural amphitheater near the Tyrrhenian Sea, which creates a unique microclimate. The soil composition ranges from sandy-clay to clay-loam with rocky deposits called "scheletro," adding complexity to the wine. The proximity to the sea moderates temperatures, ensuring optimal grape ripening and aromatic development.
What food pairs well with Guado al Tasso?
This wine pairs beautifully with red meats, game, and hearty dishes. It also complements aged cheeses and flavorful pasta dishes, making it a versatile choice for rich, savory meals.
Does Guado al Tasso age well?
Yes, Guado al Tasso has excellent aging potential. Its bold structure, fine tannins, and balanced acidity allow it to evolve and improve over decades, with vintages often described as gaining complexity and finesse with time.
What are some notable vintages of Guado al Tasso?
Notable recent vintages include 2019 and 2021, both acclaimed for their depth, complexity, and balance. The 2019 vintage is particularly praised for its aromatic precision and aging potential, while the 2021 vintage emphasizes finesse with vibrant tannins and captivating aromas.
What is the alcohol content of Guado al Tasso?
The alcohol content of Guado al Tasso typically ranges between 14% and 14.5%, depending on the vintage.
Where is the Tenuta Guado al Tasso estate located?
The estate is located in the Bolgheri DOC on the Tuscan coast, about 100 kilometers southwest of Florence. The vineyards occupy 320 hectares in a region known for producing high-quality red wines.
Unfortunately, we're unable to ship to PO Boxes and APO addresses.
Adult signature (21+) required upon delivery.
You may also like
More from Wine | Tuscany
Recently viewed
