Tenuta Guado al Tasso
Tenuta Guado al Tasso is located in the small but prestigious Bolgheri DOC, on the coast of upper Maremma, about 100 kilometers (62 miles) southwest from Florence. The noble Della Gherardesca family began practicing viticulture in the late 1600’s on their land in Bolgheri, but things really began to change under the guidance of Guido Alberto Della Gherardesca (1780-1854). He was a passionate about viticulture and was appointed majordomo of Grand Duke Leopold II and dedicated himself to enology on his family’s land in Maremma. In the 1930’s, the property was inherited by Carlotta Della Gherardesca Antinori (Piero Antinori’s mother) and her sister who was married to Mario Incisa Della Rocchetta (who received the nearby Tenuta San Guido). This appellation has a relatively recent history as DOC Bolgheri was approved in 1994 and since then, it has become an internationally recognized reference point for the Italian and international winemaking arena.
The Wines
Matarocchio was inspired by the desire to create a wine that was the purest expression both of a single grape variety and a single vineyard plot. Matarocchio Cabernet Franc is a wine of great elegance and depth.
Cont’Ugo is produced entirely with Merlot as a modern interpretation of the Bolgheri territory. The nose presents compelling aromas of small, ripe red fruit, Marasca cherries and raspberries.
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and occasionally a small amount of Petit Verdot to best represent the complexity and elegance of the Bolgheri terroir.
Il Bruciato is a modern interpretation of Bolgheri’s unique terroir made from carefully selected estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah grapes. The geological composition of the soil is diversified giving the wine structure and complexity.
The Scalabrone wine and vineyard take their name from a bandit named Scalabrone who roamed this area in the 18th century. Crafted with three grape varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and a touch of Syrah.
Inspired by the desire to reintroduce one of the indigenous varieties from this part of the Tyrrhenian coast, this Vermentino has been recognized and appreciated for its aromatic qualities.
The Wines
Matarocchio was inspired by the desire to create a wine that was the purest expression both of a single grape variety and a single vineyard plot. Matarocchio Cabernet Franc is a wine of great elegance and depth.
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and occasionally a small amount of Petit Verdot to best represent the complexity and elegance of the Bolgheri terroir.
Cont’Ugo is produced entirely with Merlot as a modern interpretation of the Bolgheri territory. The nose presents compelling aromas of small, ripe red fruit, Marasca cherries and raspberries.
Il Bruciato is a modern interpretation of Bolgheri’s unique terroir made from carefully selected estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah grapes. The geological composition of the soil is diversified giving the wine structure and complexity.
The Scalabrone wine and vineyard take their name from a bandit named Scalabrone who roamed this area in the 18th century. Crafted with three grape varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and a touch of Syrah.
Inspired by the desire to reintroduce one of the indigenous varieties from this part of the Tyrrhenian coast, this Vermentino has been recognized and appreciated for its aromatic qualities.
The Vineyards
The estate covers an area of about 320 hectares (790 acres) planted with vines, set in a beautiful plain encircled by rolling hillsides known as the “Bolgheri Amphitheatre” due to its particular shape. The vineyards are planted to Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Vermentino grapes.
The nearby sea provides a mild climate with constant breezes that mitigate summer heat and alleviate harsh winter weather, maintaining a clear sky and a high level of sunlight exposure.
The area’s alluvial soils, which vary from sandy-clay to silty-clay rich in agglomerate from Bolgheri (a very fine gravel), influence the character and personality of the varietals grown and give them a distinctive territorial identity.