Tenuta San Guido⁚ An Overview
Tenuta San Guido, an Italian wine producer in the Bolgheri DOC, is renowned for its Super Tuscan wines. The estate is a product of a long tradition, with a legacy of ethical winemaking practices passed through generations. It is considered the birthplace of the famous Sassicaia wine, born from the vision of Mario Incisa della Rocchetta.
The Legacy of Tenuta San Guido
The legacy of Tenuta San Guido is deeply rooted in its innovative approach to winemaking and its commitment to quality. This estate is not just a winery; it is a testament to the vision and determination of its founder, Marchese Mario Incisa della Rocchetta, who dared to challenge traditional Italian winemaking by planting Cabernet Sauvignon. The estate’s history is marked by numerous challenges and triumphs, including overcoming the difficulties posed by its marshy terroir. This perseverance and the drive to create a Bordeaux-style wine in Italy laid the foundation for the Super Tuscan movement. Tenuta San Guido’s legacy extends beyond wine, encompassing a dedication to wildlife preservation and thoroughbred horse breeding, reflecting a commitment to balance between man and nature. The estate’s history is a story of passion, innovation, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
Historical Roots
Tenuta San Guido’s history is deeply intertwined with the Della Gherardesca family, who have owned the estate for over 1200 years. The story began when Clarice della Gherardesca married Mario Incisa della Rocchetta.
Early Beginnings and Family Heritage
The roots of Tenuta San Guido trace back through a long and distinguished family history. For over twelve centuries, the estate has been under the ownership of the Della Gherardesca family, a lineage intertwined with the land’s very soul. This rich heritage laid the foundation for the estate’s future endeavors. In 1930, a significant turning point occurred when Clarice della Gherardesca married Marchese Mario Incisa della Rocchetta, bringing together two influential families. This union marked the beginning of a new chapter for the estate, as Mario Incisa della Rocchetta would eventually lead Tenuta San Guido into its viticultural prominence. The estate’s long-standing tradition and ethical values were passed down through generations, shaping its identity and guiding its path towards excellence in winemaking, creating a legacy rooted in family and a deep connection to the land.
Mario Incisa della Rocchetta’s Vision
Marchese Mario Incisa della Rocchetta, a man with a passion for wine, played a pivotal role in shaping Tenuta San Guido’s destiny. Inspired by his grandfather’s collection of French wines, he envisioned creating a Bordeaux-style wine on Italian soil. This vision led him to embark on an ambitious oenological project that would eventually revolutionize Italian winemaking. In 1942, he began working on this project, driven by a desire to emulate the great wines of Bordeaux. He believed in the potential of the estate’s unique terroir, despite its challenging, marshy conditions. His innovative spirit and foresight led him to challenge traditional norms, planting Cabernet Sauvignon vines where they had not been previously considered suitable, laying the groundwork for the creation of the iconic Sassicaia and establishing Tenuta San Guido as a pioneer in the Super Tuscan movement.
The Bold Decision to Plant Cabernet Sauvignon
In the 1940s, Mario Incisa della Rocchetta made a daring decision that defied conventional wisdom by planting Cabernet Sauvignon vines at Tenuta San Guido. This choice was a departure from the traditional Tuscan varieties, showcasing his belief in the potential of the estate’s unique gravelly soils, which he recognized as similar to those found in Graves, Bordeaux. This bold move, initially considered unconventional, was a testament to his innovative spirit and his conviction that the terroir of Bolgheri could produce wines of exceptional quality. This decision laid the foundation for the creation of Sassicaia. He saw the potential where others saw only marshy land, marking a turning point in the history of Italian wine and establishing Tenuta San Guido as a pioneer.
The Birth of Sassicaia
Sassicaia originated in 1948 as a family wine by Mario Incisa della Rocchetta, using Cabernet Sauvignon vines. It was initially not meant for commercial sale, but rather personal consumption.
Sassicaia’s Origin as a Family Wine
The story of Sassicaia begins in the 1940s when Marchese Mario Incisa della Rocchetta, inspired by his grandfather’s collection of French wines, acquired the Tenuta San Guido estate. He boldly decided to plant Cabernet Sauvignon vines, a departure from the traditional Sangiovese of the region. Initially, this wine was not intended for commercial release. Instead, it was crafted solely for the family’s enjoyment and consumption. The first vintage of Sassicaia was in 1948, produced from Cabernet Sauvignon vines, and was used for family use for years. This was a personal project, an ambitious hobby for the Marchese, who at the time was also involved with racehorses. It was during these early years that the unique character of Sassicaia began to take shape, laying the foundations for its future success. The wine was a testament to the Marchese’s vision and a family secret for many years.
The Transformation to Commercial Production
The transition of Sassicaia from a private family wine to a commercially available product was a gradual but significant evolution. Initially, the wine was exclusively for the Incisa della Rocchetta family’s consumption. However, the potential of Sassicaia was recognized by family members, particularly Marchese Mario’s son, Niccolò. In the late 1960s, Niccolò, with the support of relatives, convinced his father to expand the production and begin selling the wine commercially. This marked a turning point for Tenuta San Guido and the history of Italian winemaking. The first commercial release of Sassicaia occurred in 1968, and it quickly gained recognition and popularity within the region. The decision to market the wine was not just a business move but a step that would eventually make Sassicaia a world-renowned name. This transformation demonstrated a forward-thinking approach and a belief in the quality of the estate’s wine.
Sassicaia’s Success and Recognition
Sassicaia’s journey to becoming an iconic wine is marked by significant milestones and accolades. Following its commercial release in 1968, Sassicaia quickly rose to prominence, capturing the attention of wine enthusiasts and critics alike. A pivotal moment in its history was the 1978 blind tasting, where it triumphed over renowned clarets from eleven different countries. This victory solidified Sassicaia’s reputation as a world-class wine and established Tenuta San Guido as a pioneering force in Italian winemaking. The wine has garnered numerous awards and is consistently ranked among the top wines in Italy. Sassicaia’s success is not just a reflection of its exceptional quality but also a testament to the vision and dedication of those involved in its production. Its recognition has contributed to the rise of the Super Tuscan phenomenon and has cemented Tenuta San Guido’s place in wine history.
The Wines of Tenuta San Guido
Tenuta San Guido produces three distinct labels⁚ Sassicaia, the iconic wine; Guidalberto, a more approachable blend; and Le Difese, a wine that showcases the estate’s quality. Each wine reflects the unique terroir and winemaking philosophy.
Sassicaia⁚ The Iconic Wine
Sassicaia, the flagship wine of Tenuta San Guido, is a legendary Super Tuscan that has shaped the landscape of Italian winemaking. Born from the vision of Mario Incisa della Rocchetta, it is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, meticulously crafted and aged for 24 months in French oak barriques. Sassicaia’s origin as a family wine and its subsequent transition to commercial production marked a pivotal moment in the history of Italian wine. Its success and recognition on the international stage have cemented its status as an iconic wine, earning numerous accolades and consistently ranking among the top wines in Italy and the world. The wine is also a testament to the unique terroir of the Tenuta San Guido estate and the dedication to the tradition of winemaking. It is also a symbol of innovation and excellence.
Guidalberto and Le Difese
Beyond Sassicaia, Tenuta San Guido produces other notable wines, including Guidalberto and Le Difese. Guidalberto, a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, represents a step towards a more approachable style, while still retaining the elegance and complexity that characterize the estate’s wines. It showcases a change in focus, aiming to be more accessible while maintaining quality. Le Difese, a blend with a greater emphasis on Sangiovese, offers a more immediate expression of the terroir. These wines are expressions of the vineyard, and contribute to the diversity of the estate’s portfolio. They are produced with the same commitment to excellence as Sassicaia, making them important ambassadors for the Tenuta San Guido philosophy. Both wines reflect the estate’s dedication to innovation and its ability to produce wines of different styles without compromising quality.
Tenuta San Guido’s Impact
Tenuta San Guido’s influence extends far beyond its vineyards, playing a crucial role in the Super Tuscan phenomenon. The estate’s commitment to balance between man and nature further emphasizes its impact.
The Super Tuscan Phenomenon
Tenuta San Guido’s emergence significantly contributed to the “Super Tuscan” phenomenon, a movement that revolutionized Italian winemaking. The estate boldly challenged traditional Italian wine laws by introducing Cabernet Sauvignon, a grape variety not typically used in the region. This daring move, driven by Mario Incisa della Rocchetta’s vision, paved the way for other producers to experiment with international varieties, ultimately leading to the creation of new, high-quality wines. Sassicaia, the flagship wine of Tenuta San Guido, became a symbol of this movement, demonstrating that Italian terroir could produce world-class wines using unconventional methods. This innovation redefined the landscape of Italian wine, inspiring a generation of winemakers and solidifying the region’s status as a producer of premium, internationally recognized wines. The impact of Tenuta San Guido and its iconic Sassicaia on this transformative movement cannot be overstated.
Ecosystem and Balance
Tenuta San Guido operates with a deep respect for its surrounding ecosystem, understanding the importance of balance between man and nature. The estate, encompassing 2,500 hectares, not only focuses on viticulture but also includes areas dedicated to wildlife preservation, exemplified by the Rifugio Faunistico Padule di Bolgheri. This commitment highlights a holistic approach to land management, recognizing that a healthy environment is essential for producing quality wines. The estate’s dedication to biodiversity and ecological balance ensures that its winemaking practices are sustainable and contribute to the long-term health of the land. This philosophy underscores a broader understanding that the quality of the wine is inextricably linked to the health of the environment. The harmonious integration of viticulture and nature is a defining characteristic of Tenuta San Guido’s approach.
