Sassicaia Bolgheri Sassicaia DOC 2020
Trade Tools
Italy / Tuscany
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.
Harvest Note
A positive and generally warm year. Temperatures were quite mild, occasionally above the seasonal average. Late winter and early bring brought colder temperatures, strong winds, and a handful of rainfall. Temperatures continued to stay low through the end of March causing a lower production per plan, but better quality and concentration of the fruit. Temperatures began to regulate come early Summer with an occasional rainfall benefiting the plants. Harvest began about a week early to avoid over-ripening of the fruit.
Tasting Note
The 2020 vintage is beautiful, complex and identified the style of elegance typical of Sassicaia. Complex aromas of lively plummy fruit followed by baker’s chocolate, pepper spice, iron ore, caramel and pie crust. The wine presents itself with a beautiful freshness and very harmonious.
Technical Data
GRAPES: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc
APPELLATION: Bolgheri Sassicaia DOC
PH: 3.47
ACIDITY: 6.05 g/l
ABV: 14.0%
AGING: Aged in barriques using 35% new wood, 45% first passage, and 20% second passage. Over 25 months of aging in wood then decanted into steel tanks then bottled.
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
The overwhelming success of Sassicaia, and now the introduction of two new wines, traces back to the ambition of Marchese Mario Incisa della Rocchetta to plant Bordeaux varieties in Tuscany in the 1940s.
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.
