Sassicaia means “the place of many stones,” and refers to the region’s gravel soil. The original vineyards have a southwest exposure with extensive sun and maritime breezes that create robust vegetation. Grapes are handpicked, destemmed and crushed before fermenting with natural yeasts in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. The wine is aged in French oak barriques, then refined in bottle before release. Sassicaia’s success prompted the Italian government to grant the wine its own appellation, Bolgheri Sassicaia DOC, beginning with the 1994 vintage.

98 Points
Wine Spectator Insider
2019 vintage
98 Points
Wine Spectator
2019 vintage
Harvest Note
After a mild fall with frequent rains, the winter was quite dry with temperatures often above the norm. Spring came a little early with sunny days and increased temperatures. A couple small hailstorms in April helped to thin out the young shoots without compromising them. June brought consistent weather with excellent ventilation with intense temperatures towards the end of the month. Temperatures dropped in August, allowing the grapes to reach an excellent balance between technical maturity and phenolic maturity. The conditions favored the growth of very crunchy and healthy grapes.
Tasting Note
Complex aromas of lively plummy fruit followed by baker’s chocolate, pepper spice, iron ore, caramel and pie crust. Complimenting the fruity aromas is a green character of aniseed, tea leaf, soya, menthol rub and black olive.
Food Pairing
Pair with rich flavors like braised meats, osso bucco and aged, hard cheeses
Technical Data
GRAPES: 85% Cabernet Sauvignon 15% Cabernet Franc
APPELLATION: Bolgheri Sassicaia DOC
PH: 3.47
ACIDITY: 6.05 g/l
ABV: 14%
AGING: At the end of the malolactic fermentation, the wine is placed in French oak barrels, (2/3rds new wood and the rest, first and second passage) where it spent a period of aging of 24 months.
Unique Selling Points
  • So successful it was granted its own appellation Bolgheri Sassicaia DOC in 1994
  • A dense, complex wine of legendary longevity
  • The first Super Tuscan, debuted in 1968

About the Grape

Cabernet Franc
Cabernet Franc usually shows tart red cherry and wild currant aromas and flavors with an herbal, spicy character. In the Loire, esp. Chinon and Saumur-Champigny, this grape shows firm minerality.
Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon is adaptable to various growing conditions, and is known for its low yield and late ripeness. It generally produces full-bodied wines with substantial acidity and tannins.
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