bolgheri sassicaia 2021 tech sheet pdf
Sassicaia is an iconic Super Tuscan wine from Bolgheri, known for its elegance and complexity. The 2021 vintage showcases a harmonious blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, offering a refined tasting experience.
Overview of DOC Bolgheri Sassicaia
DOC Bolgheri Sassicaia is a prestigious Italian wine denomination, uniquely designated for the Sassicaia wine produced by Tenuta San Guido. Established in 1994, it is the first and only DOC in Italy specifically created for a single wine, reflecting Sassicaia’s iconic status. The DOC encompasses a limited area within the Bolgheri region, ensuring strict quality control and terroir authenticity. Sassicaia’s success led to the creation of this appellation, recognizing its pioneering role in Tuscan winemaking. The wine is celebrated for its harmonious blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, showcasing the region’s potential for Bordeaux-style wines. With a focus on elegance and aging potential, DOC Bolgheri Sassicaia represents a benchmark for Italian fine wines, embodying tradition, innovation, and the unique characteristics of its coastal Tuscan terroir.
Vintage 2021 Details
The 2021 vintage of Sassicaia is characterized by its complexity and balance, reflecting the unique conditions of the Bolgheri terroir. The growing season was marked by moderate temperatures and optimal rainfall, allowing for gradual ripening of the grapes. This vintage showcases a harmonious blend of fresh aromatics and structured tannins, with a bouquet that hints at minty lavender, citrus notes, and sweet spices. On the palate, the wine presents a rich, dense texture with flavors of red fruit and subtle herbal undertones. Despite its youthful charm, the 2021 Sassicaia demonstrates excellent aging potential, thanks to its refined acidity and well-integrated tannins. This vintage exemplifies the elegance and precision that have come to define Sassicaia, making it a standout representation of the 2021 growing season in Bolgheri.
Technical Data
The 2021 Sassicaia is a blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Cabernet Franc, with 14% alcohol content. The wine is bottled in 75cl formats and contains sulphites, adhering to DOC Bolgheri Sassicaia standards.
4.1 Grape Varieties
The 2021 Sassicaia is crafted from a carefully selected blend of grape varieties, primarily Cabernet Sauvignon (85%) and Cabernet Franc (15%). This combination is a hallmark of the wine’s distinctive character, reflecting the terroir of Bolgheri. Cabernet Sauvignon provides structure, depth, and black fruit flavors, while Cabernet Franc adds aromatic complexity, freshness, and a subtle floral note. The grapes are sourced from the estate’s vineyards, where the unique microclimate and soils, rich in calcareous marl, enhance the fruit’s quality and typicity. The proportion of each variety is meticulously balanced to ensure harmony and aging potential. This blend has been perfected over decades, showcasing the synergy between these two Bordeaux varieties in the Tuscan coastal region; The result is a wine that embodies elegance, power, and the signature style of Sassicaia.
4.2 Winemaking Process
The winemaking process for Sassicaia 2021 begins with meticulous grape selection and harvesting. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks at controlled temperatures to preserve the fruit’s freshness and aromatic integrity. A prolonged maceration period enhances extraction, contributing to the wine’s depth and complexity. After fermentation, the wine is transferred to French oak barriques, where it undergoes a 24-month aging process. A proportion of new oak (approximately 40%) is used to add subtle vanilla and spice notes, while the remainder in used oak ensures the wine’s natural character is maintained. The wine is bottled without filtration to retain its authentic flavors and aromas. This traditional yet refined approach ensures Sassicaia’s signature elegance and aging potential, making it a benchmark for Super Tuscan wines.
4.3 Aging Process
The aging process for Sassicaia 2021 is a critical step that enhances the wine’s complexity and longevity. After fermentation, the wine is aged in French oak barriques for 24 months. Approximately 40% of the barriques are new, contributing subtle vanilla and spice notes, while the remaining 60% are second- or third-use oak, preserving the wine’s natural fruit character. This balance ensures the wine develops a refined harmony between oak and fruit. Following barrel aging, the wine is bottled and aged for an additional 6 months to integrate flavors and aromas. This extended aging process in both oak and bottle allows Sassicaia to achieve its signature elegance and structure, making it a wine capable of aging gracefully for decades. The careful selection of oak and precise aging regimen are integral to crafting Sassicaia’s iconic style, ensuring it remains a benchmark for Super Tuscan wines.
Tasting Notes
The 2021 Sassicaia presents a complex and refined profile on the nose, with fresh minty lavender hints, citrus notes, and sweet spices. The palate is rich and dense, showcasing elegant, harmonious flavors of dark fruit, such as blackberry and black cherry, complemented by subtle herbal undertones. The wine’s structure is supported by polished tannins and a balanced acidity, which contribute to its smooth, velvety texture. A lingering finish highlights the wine’s depth and sophistication. Despite its youthful appeal, the 2021 Sassicaia demonstrates the potential for long-term aging, with its intricate layers of flavor and aroma expected to unfold beautifully over time. This vintage exemplifies the wine’s hallmark elegance and poise, making it a quintessential representation of Bolgheri’s terroir and winemaking excellence.
Food Pairing Recommendations
The 2021 Sassicaia, with its complex and refined profile, pairs exceptionally well with dishes that match its elegance and depth. Red meats, such as roasted rack of lamb or grilled Wagyu beef, complement the wine’s dark fruit flavors and polished tannins. Game meats like venison or pheasant, especially when prepared with earthy ingredients such as mushrooms, enhance the wine’s herbal and savory notes. For poultry, a seared or roasted duck breast, accompanied by a fruit compote, offers a delightful contrast to the wine’s bold yet harmonious character. Aged cheeses, such as Parmigiano-Reggiano or Pecorino Toscano, also make excellent pairings, as their sharpness balances the wine’s richness. Hearty pasta dishes, like wild boar ragù or truffle-infused risotto, are ideal for showcasing the wine’s layered flavors.Grilling or roasting brings out the best in these pairings, as the smoky and caramelized elements align beautifully with the wine’s nuanced profile.
History of Tenuta San Guido
Tenuta San Guido, the renowned estate behind Sassicaia, was founded by the Incisa della Rocchetta family in the 1940s. The family’s vision to produce exceptional wines led to the creation of Sassicaia, which debuted in 1968. This groundbreaking wine not only established Tenuta San Guido as a pioneer in Italian winemaking but also played a pivotal role in shaping the Super Tuscan movement. The estate’s commitment to innovation and quality earned Sassicaia its own DOC designation in 1994, a testament to its unique terroir and winemaking excellence. Over the decades, Tenuta San Guido has remained a symbol of tradition and progress, continuing to produce wines that reflect the essence of Bolgheri. Today, the estate is celebrated for its dedication to sustainable practices and its role in elevating Italian wines to global prominence.
Development of DOC Bolgheri Sassicaia
The DOC Bolgheri Sassicaia was established in 1994, marking a historic milestone in Italian winemaking; It is the first and only DOC in Italy specifically created for a single wine, Sassicaia, recognizing its unique terroir and winemaking legacy. The designation was a result of decades of pioneering work by Tenuta San Guido, which demonstrated the exceptional quality and consistency of Sassicaia. This DOC is nested within the broader Bolgheri DOC, reflecting the wine’s distinct identity. The DOC regulations ensure that Sassicaia is produced exclusively from Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, with strict guidelines on vineyard management, winemaking practices, and aging. This recognition not only elevated Sassicaia’s status but also set a precedent for other Italian wines seeking similar distinctions. The DOC Bolgheri Sassicaia remains a symbol of innovation and tradition, solidifying its place in the world of fine wines.
Environmental and Sustainable Practices
Tenuta San Guido, the producer of Sassicaia, is deeply committed to environmental sustainability. The estate has implemented eco-friendly practices to preserve the natural balance of its 2,500-hectare property. Vineyard management focuses on integrated pest control and organic farming methods to minimize environmental impact. Soil health is maintained through the use of cover crops, which prevent erosion and enhance biodiversity. Water management is another priority, with efficient irrigation systems ensuring responsible resource use. The winery also adheres to sustainable energy practices, reducing its carbon footprint. These practices reflect the estate’s dedication to producing high-quality wines while respecting the environment. By embracing sustainable viticulture, Tenuta San Guido ensures that Sassicaia not only excels in quality but also contributes to the preservation of its unique terroir for future generations.
Market Reception and Ratings
The 2021 Sassicaia has received widespread critical acclaim, solidifying its reputation as one of Italy’s finest wines. Critics praise its balance, complexity, and aging potential, with notable ratings including 95+ points from Wine Advocate and 95 points from Vinous. Reviewers highlight its elegant bouquet of black fruit, spice, and mint, alongside its harmonious structure. The wine is celebrated for its ability to represent both the vintage’s character and the unique terroir of Bolgheri. Market demand remains high, as Sassicaia continues to be a benchmark for Super Tuscan wines. Its consistent excellence has made it a favorite among collectors and wine enthusiasts worldwide. The 2021 vintage is no exception, showcasing why Sassicaia remains a leader in the global wine market. Its exceptional quality and limited production further enhance its exclusivity and desirability among connoisseurs. This vintage is expected to age gracefully, making it a worthwhile investment for those who appreciate fine wine.
Accessing the Tech Sheet PDF
To access the official technical sheet PDF for the 2021 Sassicaia, visit the Tenuta San Guido website or authorized wine retailers. The PDF provides detailed insights into the wine’s production, including grape varieties, winemaking processes, and aging methods. It also features analytical data such as alcohol content, sulfite levels, and bottle size. The document is a valuable resource for wine professionals, sommeliers, and enthusiasts seeking in-depth information. Additionally, it highlights the wine’s unique characteristics and the terroir of Bolgheri. The PDF is available for download in high-resolution format, ensuring clarity and readability. For those interested in understanding the nuances of Sassicaia, the tech sheet offers a comprehensive overview of what makes this vintage exceptional. It is a must-have for anyone looking to explore the technical aspects of this iconic wine.