Sassicaia Bolgheri Sassicaia DOC 2021
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Italy / Tuscany
Sassicaia means “the place of many stones,” and refers to the region’s gravel soil. All the vineyards located in different altitudes and exposures benefit from extetensive sun and maritime breezes. 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
2021 was a beautiful vintage. Autumn kicked off with mild temperatures and sporadic rain. The winter season was particularly rainy and cold, and the vines and the underground water reserve benefited from the abundant rains. March was dry and generally sunny, with cold temperatures especially in the first week, when northerly winds caused night temperatures to drop close to 32°F. April started with mild temperatures, as if the spring had finally arrived, but midmonth temperatures dropped again. The consequence was bud thinning in early vines such as Merlot, and also Cabernet Franc. Throughout April and a good part of May, sun and rain alternated, with some sporadic storms and temperatures below the seasonal norm, especially in early morning and at night. The state of the plants was not too much affected, but rather slowed down due to the lower temperatures. Between May and June, temperatures went above the norm with dry heat that persisted through July. The plants showed no signs of stress despite the intensity of the heat. Kaolin was used to limit the impact which gave satisfactory results. Mid-August, temperatures returned to normal. The development of the vegetation was regular, although with smaller bunches and berries, which resulted in lower production. Thanks to the excellent climatic trend the maturity of the grapes was in perfect balance. Harvest carried out by hand, began in the first days of September until the first week of October.
Tasting Note
Unmistakable nose that immediately immerses the drinker in the terroir of Tenuta San Guido. The 2021 vintage fully expresses its complexity on the nose with fresh, minty lavender hints but also citrus notes mixed with sweet spices. In the mouth it shows the character of the vintage, with an enveloping but non-intrusive body, which gives an infinite pleasure. The good saline component helps to make its way onto the palate, making it long and persistent. This wine, although already pleasant at a young age, after 4/5 years of aging in glass will have the maturity and richness, in terms of polyphenols, that characterize this vintage.
Technical Data
GRAPES: 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Cabernet Franc
APPELLATION: Bolgheri Sassicaia DOC
PH: 3.43
ACIDITY: 6.1 g/L
ABV: 14.10%
AGING: Wine was placed in 2nd and 3rd passage barriques, where frequent bâtonnages and the addition of noble lees were carried out. Then transferred to approx. 40% new wood, 40% first passage and 20% 2nd passage barriques (French oak, Tronçais, Allier and Jupilles with extra-fine grain, light toasting, and long seasoning). 24-month aging period in wood with subsequent decanting into steel tanks.
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.
