Wines Unspecified Tenuta Guado al Tasso - San Walfredo - 2019

Viniou Reviews

Tenuta Guado al Tasso’s Cuvée San Walfredo 2019 is a compelling red from the heart of Tuscany, reflecting both the winery’s legacy and the expressive nature of its terroir. Although the specific blend composition is not listed, Guado al Tasso is known for crafting wines in the Bolgheri region with Bordeaux varietals such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and sometimes a touch of Petit Verdot, often blended with indigenous Sangiovese. The 2019 vintage benefited from a relatively balanced season, with warm days, cool nights, and well-timed rainfall that nurtured optimal grape ripening. Winemaking at Guado al Tasso is characterised by meticulous vineyard management, hand-harvesting, and traditional vinification, often with fermentation in stainless steel and aging in French oak to enhance structure and aromatic complexity.

Tuscany’s prestige as a wine region is well earned, lying along Italy’s west coast where rolling hills, abundant sunlight, and moderating breezes from the Tyrrhenian Sea define its climate. The soils are varied but often include limestone, clay, and sandy elements, providing both good drainage and mineral depth to the wines. While Chianti and Brunello are world-celebrated, the coast is home to modern appellations like Bolgheri, where French grape varieties flourish. The region’s wine culture is steeped in centuries of tradition, but estates such as Guado al Tasso have contributed to a renaissance, producing bold and elegant Super Tuscan reds.

The Cuvée San Walfredo 2019 offers ripe dark fruits, plum, blackcurrant, and subtle balsamic notes, layered with sweet spice and a hint of tobacco from oak maturation. Its rich structure, refined tannins, and persistent, savoury finish make it an ideal partner for hearty dishes. Classic pairings include bistecca alla fiorentina (Tuscan T-bone steak), braised beef, or wild boar ragù. Roasted game, mature pecorino, or lamb with rosemary and garlic will also complement the wine’s ample texture.

For serving, decant the wine for at least an hour to unlock its aromatic depth and soften the tannins. The ideal tasting temperature is between 16 and 18°C, which will enhance its complexity and allow the vibrant fruit and subtle spices to shine.