Guado al Tasso, Antinori

GUADO AL TASSO

Classification

Bolgheri D.O.C. Superiore

Blend

55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 18% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot

Climate

The 2018 vintage’s growing season saw frequent rain showers especially during winter and springtime. These climatic conditions abundantly replenished groundwater reserves that were significantly depleted after the drier 2017 season. Bud break was delayed by about one week compared to seasonal averages. Summer trends proceeded normally with hot, dry weather creating ideal conditions for a slow, steady ripening phase. September, with virtually no rainfall at all, was dominated by temperatures higher than 2017 however were affected by cooler nights. Harvest time was slightly later for Merlot, picking went from September 5th through the 22nd; and was right on schedule for Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, harvested between September 15th and October 5th

Vinification

Upon arrival in the cellar, grapes were sorted on two separate occasions; once before destemming and again immediately after to guarantee that only perfectly ripe berries reached fermentation vats. Each single vineyard parcel was subdivided into smaller blocks and grapes were harvested separately based on climatic trends and individual characteristics of each grape variety and then fermented separately. Fermentation and maceration took place in temperature controlled stainless steel vats for 15 - 20 days. After racking operations, the wine was transferred directly into barriques where malolactic fermentation was completed by the end of the year. In February, we selected wine from the very best vineyard blocks and made the final blend. Guado al Tasso was then transferred into new French oak barriques where it aged up until bottling in the month of April 2020

Tasting notes

Guado al Tasso 2018 is an intense ruby red color. The nose opens with captivating notes of sweet spices and small dark ripe fruit, licorice root, leather and tobacco. On the palate the tannins are graceful: silky on entry and vibrant on the finish. Guado al Tasso 2018 is harmonious with excellent balance and pleasantness, it’s most certainly less powerful than the 2017 vintage, but perhaps for this reason is more refined and elegant