Wines Unspecified Tenuta San Guido - Guidalberto - 2022

Guidalberto 2022 from Tenuta San Guido, located in the heart of Tuscany, is a striking red wine that embodies both innovation and tradition. This cuvée, often regarded as the second wine of the renowned estate behind the iconic Sassicaia, is crafted primarily from a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. While the precise proportions may vary from year to year, the blend usually sits around 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot. The 2022 vintage reflects an excellent Tuscan growing season, with warm days and cool nights that promote ideal ripening of the grapes. Vinification at Tenuta San Guido combines modern techniques with a deep respect for the terroir: fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel, followed by maturation in French and American oak barriques for about 15 months, contributing both structure and subtle complexity.

The Tenuta San Guido estate is situated near Bolgheri, along the Tuscan coast. This region benefits from a distinctive microclimate, where the nearby Tyrrhenian Sea moderates temperatures, ensuring grapes ripen evenly while retaining fresh acidity. Soils here are a mix of clay, limestone, and sandy gravel, providing excellent drainage and imparting finesse and minerality to the wines. Bolgheri's wine history is relatively recent but impressive, with Tenuta San Guido playing a pivotal role in the rise of Super Tuscans, revolutionising Italian winemaking since the late 20th century.

Guidalberto, with its supple tannins, vibrant black fruit, and subtle hints of spice and cedar, pairs wonderfully with classic Tuscan dishes such as Bistecca alla Fiorentina, roasted wild boar, or a rich pappardelle al ragù di cinghiale. It can also accompany hard cheeses like aged Pecorino, lamb with rosemary, or even a rustic mushroom risotto, highlighting the wine’s depth and elegance.

To enjoy Guidalberto 2022 at its best, serve it at 16-18°C after a brief decantation of around 30 minutes. This allows the bouquet to fully develop and ensures a harmonious tasting experience, whether enjoyed now for its vibrancy or cellared for several more years for added complexity.