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.

The Tenuta Guado al Tasso is a world-famous Italian winery owned by a family with a long tradition Marchesi Antinori. It is situated in the prestigious Denomination Bolgheri DOC on the Tuscan coast (Maremma), around 100 kilometres south-west of Florence. The winery is regarded as one of the leading producers of so-called „Super Tuscans“.

Bolgheri Amphitheatre: The approximately 320 hectares of vineyards lie on a plain surrounded by rolling hills and opening out towards the sea.

Climate: The nearby Mediterranean Sea tempers the summer heat, reduces humidity and provides a constant breeze, which perfectly concentrates the grapes’ flavour.

Floors: The soils vary greatly, ranging from slightly calcareous clay through alluvial soil to sandy gravel, providing ideal conditions for French grape varieties.

Key grape varieties & wine styles

In contrast to the traditional Chianti region, which is dominated by Sangiovese, Bolgheri focuses heavily on international grape varieties:

Cabernet Sauvignon (Structure and durability)

Merlot (Full-bodied with soft tannins)

Cabernet Franc (Flavour and aromatic depth)Vermentino (The estate’s most important white grape variety for fresh, mineral-driven white wines)

Guado al Tasso (Bolgheri DOC Superiore): The winery’s absolute flagship wine. A powerful, elegant cuvée made from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc, which regularly receives top marks from international critics. 

Il Bruciato: The flagship’s hugely popular, approachable „little brother“, which offers a wonderful introduction to the world of Bolgheri.

Cont’Ugo: A single-varietal Merlot that showcases the velvety and fruit-forward character of the terroir. 

Vermentino Bolgheri DOC: A fresh, straw-yellow white wine with intense notes of citrus fruits and elderflower.