Tenuta San Guido : Le Difese 2020

The finesse and aromatic richness of a Tuscan red wine

The estate

Located between Livorno and Grosseto, Tenuta San Guido is an iconic reference among Tuscan wines and stems from the marriage between Marquis Mario Incisa della Rocchetta and Clarice della Gherardesca. In 1942, Mario decided to plant Cabernet Sauvignon vines in this area of Tuscany, marking the birth of Sassicaia wines a few years later. In 1983, Tenuta San Guido became the first estate in Italy to be granted its own appellation with the consecration of the DOC Bolgheri in 1983.

The vineyard

Produced since 2002, Difese 2020 from Tenuta San Guido is a Toscana IGT wine made from vineyards planted on a patchwork of soils composed of limestone, stones, pebbles and some clay. Located between 100 and 300 metres above sea level, these vineyards enjoy a west/southwest exposure.

The vintage

Autumn and the beginning of winter were marked by high humidity and temperatures that alternated between mild and cool. The mildness of spring favoured an early budburst in the vineyard. The drop in temperature and the frosts recorded at the end of March did not have an excessive impact on the vineyard. Although the appearance of secondary buds led to a drop in yields, the quality and concentration were better. From mid-June onwards, sunny, hot and dry days set in without having any consequences on the vineyard thanks to sufficient water reserves. Despite lower yields, the quality is excellent.

Winemaking and ageing

The hand-picked grapes are sorted by hand before being gently destemmed. Alcoholic fermentation in stainless steel tanks. Skin maceration for 13 to 18 days depending on the grape variety, with regular pumping over and racking to ensure an optimal extraction. Malolactic fermentation in steel vats. Aged for 8 months in French and American second and third-fill oak barrels (barrels used for the Guidalberto cuvée).

Blend

Sangiovese (55%)
Cabernet Sauvignon (45%)

Characteristics and tasting tips for Tenuta San Guido’s 2020 Le Difese

Tasting

Dense and structured, this Tuscan wine reveals supple tannins and a complex aromatic framework.