Tenuta San Guido

Tenuta San Guido: The Birthplace of the Super Tuscan Revolution Tenuta San Guido is not just a winery; it is a legend that redefined the identity of Italian wine. As the home of Sassicaia—the original "Super Tuscan"—this estate proved to the world that the stony soils of Bolgheri could produce Bordeaux-style reds that rival the finest Premier Crus of France. The Visionary Origin: A Rebel’s Dream The story of Tenuta San Guido began in the 1940s with Marquis Mario Incisa della Rocchetta. A lover of fine Bordeaux, he noticed a striking similarity between the gravelly terrain of his Tuscan estate and the "Graves" of Bordeaux. At a time when Italian wine was strictly defined by local varieties like Sangiovese, the Marquis took a revolutionary risk by planting Cabernet Sauvignon. For years, Sassicaia was consumed only by the family, as critics initially failed to understand its complexity. It wasn't until the 1968 commercial release that the world realized a masterpiece had been born, sparking the "Super Tuscan" movement. The Terroir: Why "Sassicaia" Means Stones The name "Sassicaia" translates to "stony ground" in the Tuscan dialect. This is the heart of the estate’s identity: The Soil: Unlike the clay-heavy soils of central Tuscany, Tenuta San Guido sits on a unique strip of land filled with limestone, marl, and round pebbles (gravel). This provides perfect drainage, forcing the vines to dig deep for nutrients. The Microclimate: Located near the Tyrrhenian Sea, the vineyards benefit from cooling maritime breezes. This creates a temperature diurnal shift that preserves the grapes' acidity and aromatic elegance, preventing them from becoming over-ripe in the Mediterranean sun. Why Tenuta San Guido is a Global Icon For collectors and enthusiasts on GrapeYear, Tenuta San Guido represents the pinnacle of "Old World" soul meeting "New World" innovation. Here is why it remains a must-have: The Only Solo DOC: Sassicaia is so significant that it is the only wine in Italy with its own private appellation: DOC Bolgheri Sassicaia. Elegance Over Power: While many modern wines chase high alcohol and heavy oak, Tenuta San Guido is celebrated for its restraint, balance, and incredible aging potential. A History of 100 Points: Sassicaia was the first Italian wine to receive a perfect 100-point score from Robert Parker (for the 1985 vintage), cementing its status as an investment-grade blue-chip wine. The Portfolio: Three Tiers of Excellence Sassicaia (Grand Vin): The flagship. A blend of approximately 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Cabernet Franc. It is known for its notes of cedar, wild berries, and flinty minerality. Guidalberto: Introduced in 2000, this wine includes Merlot in the blend. It is designed to be enjoyed younger while still displaying the estate’s hallmark elegance and structure. Le Difese: A vibrant and approachable wine made from Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese. It serves as a beautiful introduction to the house style, offering bright fruit and silky tannins. Beyond the Bottle: Horses and Nature Tenuta San Guido is a massive 2,500-hectare estate where wine is just one part of the ecosystem. It is also home to: Razza Dormello Olgiata: One of the world’s most famous thoroughbred horse breeding stables, home to the legendary champion Ribot. Padule di Bolgheri: The first private nature reserve in Italy, reflecting the family’s deep commitment to preserving the biodiversity of the Tuscan coast.