Cont Ugo Bolgheri DOC - Tenuta Guado al Tasso - 2021

75 cl

Falstaff: 93 points

Alcohol content: 14.5% vol.

Grape varieties: 100% Merlot

Vinification:

The grapes for this pure Merlot come from the estate's best vineyards between Bolgheri and Castagneto Carducci. Guado al Tasso had discovered the potential of the grape variety for this location some time ago and experimented with it. However, it was not until the 2011 vintage that bottling from 100 % Merlot was legally permitted. After a strictly selective manual harvest, the grapes are gently pressed. Fermentation takes place in French barriques, of which 30 % are new. After the first eight months of maturation in barrels, the batches are blended and matured for a further four months back in the barrel. After bottling, the finished wine is stored in the winery for a further six months before being released for sale.

Tasting note:

Intense aroma of ripe cherries and blueberries, candied fruit and sweet spices - an exciting combination! The pure Merlot matures for a year in French oak barrels.

Tenuta Guado al Tasso:

Tenuta Guado al Tasso is located in the small, prestigious DOC Bolgheri on the coast of northern Maremma, about 100 kilometres south-west of Florence. This denomination has a relatively short history (founded in 1995), but enjoys international renown as a new point of reference in the global oenological panorama. The Tenuta Guado al Tasso comprises a total of around 320 hectares of vineyards in a charming plain surrounded by hills, known as the "Bolgheri amphitheatre" due to its special formation.

The approximately 320 hectares of vineyards, situated at an altitude of around 50 metres, are predominantly planted with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Vermentino, the latter being cultivated in both the white-skinned and red-skinned varieties.

The climate is mild thanks to the nearby sea: constant breezes soften the summer heat and the harshness of winter and ensure clear skies so that the sunshine is high. The clay-sand to clay-silt soils of alluvial origin with bolgherese agglomerate (skeleton) give the vines personality and character thanks to their strong territorial identity.