2021 Tenuta San Guido Bolgheri Sassicaia vintage year details The growing season of the 2021 vintage had all the climatic conditions to produce a great year. The heat of June and early July stopped just before veraison (the discoloration of the grapes). From that moment on, there were no more peaks with extreme heat. The weather remained stable with notable differences between day and night temperatures. The cool nights slowed down the growing season and ensured a steady build-up of aromas and flavours in the grapes while maintaining freshness. The grapes were able to grow in peace and under perfect conditions ripening. Not often could they determine with such precision the order in which the different plots were harvested at Tenuta San Guido. In this way, all the fruit was brought in with perfect ripeness and balance of all components. The plots with the oldest vines of Cabernet Sauvignon form the backbone in the final assemblage for Sassicaia. A classic blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and a little Cabernet Franc with a seductive Mediterranean spiciness and unparalleled ripeness with sultry tannins that give immense potential. Expressive with blackcurrants, blackberries, wild fennel and laurel. In the taste subtle notes of mocha and spices with again the preserved black fruit. Everything perfectly balanced, finely layered with an almost endless aftertaste. Pure class! Terroir of the Sassicaia The soils have varied and complex characteristics with a strong presence of limestone, areas rich in marl and pebbles, and partly clay. They are located at an altitude between 100 and 400 meters above sea level, with a west, south-west. The manual harvest began in the first week of September with the grapes from the younger vineyards, starting with the Cabernet Franc and then continuing with the Cabernet Sauvignon from the vineyards at lower altitudes, ending in the last week of September with those on the hills located more than 300 meters above sea level (Vigna di Castiglioncello and Vigna del Quercione). Vinification Selection of the grapes via a sorting table, to eliminate impurities and any possible presence of imperfections. Gentle pressing and destemming of the grapes, preserving the integrity of the berries and avoiding excessive transfer of tannins. The alcoholic fermentation (completely spontaneous and without addition of external yeasts) was completed at the end of October and carried out regularly at controlled temperatures of maximum 27-28 °C. Regular delestaging and pumping over ensured excellent aromatic extraction and freshness in terms of acidity of the must. The malolactic fermentations took place at the end of November in steel. In the first week of December, after frequent decanting to clean the must, the wine was placed in oak barriques. At the end of malolactic fermentation, the wine was placed in barriques with 45% new wood, 45% first passage and 10% second passage. Sassicaia 2021, after more than 25 months of maturation in wood, was decanted into steel tanks before being finally blended and then bottled. Subsequently aged in bottle before being released onto the market. Tasting notes of the Sassicaia The Tenuta San Guido 2021 Bolgheri Sassicaia offers impeccable balance, excellent freshness and absolutely no signs of overripeness. The fruit balance is ideal with a hint of crispness and lasting tension of pulp and skins. The tannins are expertly managed with a firm grip and enough softness to add volume and length. There are green notes in the bouquet, which instead offers mulched herbs and spices, with cinnamon and cloves, subtly layered between mainly red and some purple berries. Red currant, blueberry, sweet pomegranate and cherry are strongly present in this vintage. A fragrant hint of heirloom rose emerges with age. The oak notes tend towards gingerbread, hazelnut, cigar, sandalwood and something like a grilled sweet red pepper. On the palate the wine offers a pleasant weight without heavy glycerine , and a flush