bolgheri sassicaia 2021 tech sheet pdf
Bolgheri Sassicaia 2021: A Comprehensive Overview
Sassicaia, a celebrated wine, boasts a 36,700-case production from 80 hectares in 2021, primarily utilizing Cabernet Sauvignon alongside Cabernet Franc varieties.
Sassicaia, originating from the Bolgheri region, stands as a pioneering “Super Tuscan,” achieving iconic status and eventually earning its own DOC in 1994. The 2021 vintage continues this esteemed legacy, showcasing the estate’s commitment to quality and innovation. This particular year presented unique climatic conditions, influencing the resulting wine’s character.
The Tenuta San Guido meticulously selects grapes, believing Sassicaia represents one of the greatest wine creations of the century. The 2021 harvest yielded approximately 3,310 hectoliters, demonstrating a consistent production level over the past five years. Expect a wine exhibiting impeccable balance and freshness, notably avoiding any signs of over-ripeness, a testament to careful vineyard management and winemaking techniques.
Historical Significance of Sassicaia
Sassicaia’s history is rooted in a bold vision – a departure from traditional Italian winemaking. In the 1940s, the Tenuta San Guido’s founder, Mario Incisa della Rochetta, planted Cabernet Sauvignon, believing it thrived in Bolgheri’s terroir. This was unconventional for Italy at the time, primarily focused on Sangiovese.
Initially a personal project, Sassicaia gained recognition in the 1970s, challenging established norms and paving the way for the “Super Tuscan” movement. Its success prompted the creation of the Bolgheri Sassicaia DOC in 1994, acknowledging its unique quality and contribution to Italian wine. The 2021 vintage builds upon this rich heritage, representing decades of refinement and a continued pursuit of excellence, solidifying its place as a landmark wine.
The Bolgheri Region and its Terroir
Bolgheri, located in the Maremma area of Tuscany, presents a unique microclimate ideal for Bordeaux varietals like Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Its proximity to the Tyrrhenian Sea provides cooling breezes, mitigating the intense summer heat, while well-drained gravelly and clay-rich soils contribute to concentrated flavors.
The region’s elevation and gentle slopes further enhance drainage and sun exposure. This specific terroir imparts Sassicaia with its distinctive character – a harmonious blend of power, elegance, and complexity. The 2021 vintage particularly benefits from these conditions, showcasing the region’s ability to produce wines of exceptional balance and finesse, reflecting the unique interplay of climate and soil.
Technical Specifications of Sassicaia 2021
Sassicaia 2021’s analytical data reveals 14% alcohol content, a pH of 3.43, 6.10 total acidity, and a residual sugar level of 0.15.
Grape Varietal Composition
Sassicaia’s distinct character stems from a carefully considered blend of grape varietals, expertly cultivated within the Bolgheri region. The foundation of this iconic wine is undoubtedly Cabernet Sauvignon, playing the principal role in shaping its structure and complexity. This dominant varietal contributes significantly to the wine’s robust tannins and concentrated flavors.
However, Cabernet Franc is not merely a supporting player; it’s an integral component, adding layers of aromatic finesse and enhancing the overall elegance of Sassicaia. The precise proportions of these two varietals are meticulously determined each vintage, reflecting the unique conditions of the growing season. This harmonious combination results in a wine that showcases both power and refinement, a hallmark of Tenuta San Guido’s dedication to quality.
Cabernet Sauvignon Dominance
Cabernet Sauvignon stands as the cornerstone of Sassicaia’s celebrated profile, consistently representing the primary grape varietal in its blend. This dominance isn’t accidental; it’s a deliberate choice reflecting the varietal’s exceptional aptitude for the Bolgheri terroir. The grapes contribute a robust structure, providing the wine with its characteristic backbone and aging potential.
Its influence extends to the concentrated flavors, delivering notes of blackcurrant, cedar, and subtle hints of tobacco. Tenuta San Guido carefully manages the Cabernet Sauvignon vines, optimizing sun exposure and canopy management to ensure optimal ripeness and flavor development. This dedication to viticultural excellence allows the varietal to fully express its potential, resulting in a wine of remarkable depth and complexity, truly embodying the essence of Sassicaia.
The Role of Cabernet Franc
While Cabernet Sauvignon provides the structural foundation of Sassicaia, Cabernet Franc plays a crucial, complementary role in achieving the wine’s renowned elegance and aromatic complexity. This varietal contributes a distinctive floral character, introducing captivating notes of red fruit, alongside subtle hints of bell pepper and spice.
Cabernet Franc’s slightly earlier ripening time compared to Cabernet Sauvignon allows for nuanced flavor development, adding freshness and vibrancy to the blend. Tenuta San Guido meticulously balances the proportions of each varietal, ensuring Cabernet Franc enhances, rather than overshadows, the dominant Cabernet Sauvignon. This careful integration results in a harmonious wine, showcasing both power and finesse, a hallmark of the Sassicaia legacy.
Winemaking Process
The creation of Sassicaia begins with meticulous grape selection within the vineyard, prioritizing optimal ripeness and health. Following harvest, the grapes undergo gentle crushing and destemming, initiating fermentation in stainless steel tanks. This controlled process allows for precise temperature management, preserving the fruit’s delicate aromas and flavors.
Post-fermentation, the wine is transferred to oak barrels – primarily French – for aging. This extended maturation period, typically lasting around 24 months, imparts complexity, structure, and subtle vanilla nuances. Throughout aging, careful monitoring and racking ensure clarity and stability. Finally, the wine undergoes bottling, followed by further cellaring before release, allowing it to fully integrate and express its potential.
Fermentation Techniques
Sassicaia’s fermentation process is carefully orchestrated to extract maximum flavor and complexity from the grapes. Utilizing stainless steel tanks, winemakers maintain precise temperature control, typically ranging between 26-28°C, to encourage optimal yeast activity and preserve delicate aromatic compounds.
Maceration, the contact between juice and skins, is also closely monitored, lasting approximately 10-15 days. This allows for gentle extraction of color, tannins, and flavor precursors. Regular pump-overs and délestage techniques are employed to ensure even extraction and oxygenation, enhancing the wine’s structure and depth. Indigenous yeasts are often favored, contributing to the wine’s unique character and terroir expression.
Aging in Oak Barrels
Following fermentation, Sassicaia undergoes an extended aging period in French oak barriques, primarily utilizing barrels from the Allier and Tronçais forests. This maturation phase, lasting approximately 24 months, imparts subtle vanilla, spice, and toast notes while softening the wine’s tannins and integrating its flavors.
The proportion of new oak varies, typically around 50-70%, allowing for a balance between imparting new oak characteristics and preserving the wine’s inherent fruit expression. Regular racking is performed to clarify the wine and prevent oxidation. After barrel aging, the wine undergoes further refinement in bottle for at least six months, allowing it to fully harmonize before release, showcasing its elegance and longevity.
Analytical Data for Sassicaia 2021
Sassicaia 2021 presents an alcohol content of 14%, a pH level of 3.43, total acidity of 6.10, and residual sugar measuring 0.15.
Alcohol Content
The Sassicaia 2021 vintage demonstrates a carefully achieved alcohol content, registering at 14%. This figure is a crucial indicator of the grape’s physiological maturity during the growing season and the subsequent fermentation process. Achieving this level requires precise vineyard management, ensuring optimal sun exposure and careful monitoring of sugar accumulation within the berries.
The alcohol percentage directly influences the wine’s body, texture, and overall balance. In Sassicaia, the 14% ABV contributes to a full-bodied experience without sacrificing elegance or freshness. It’s a testament to the winemaking team’s skill in extracting maximum flavor and complexity while maintaining harmony. This alcohol level is typical for the Bolgheri region and the Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant blends produced by Tenuta San Guido, reflecting the area’s warm Mediterranean climate.
pH Level
The Sassicaia 2021 exhibits a pH level of 3.43, a critical measurement indicating the wine’s acidity and stability. This value falls within the ideal range for premium red wines, contributing to both its freshness and aging potential. A lower pH generally signifies higher acidity, which protects the wine from microbial spoilage and preserves its vibrant flavors over time.
The pH level directly impacts the wine’s taste profile, influencing its perceived crispness and structure. In Sassicaia, the 3.43 pH balances beautifully with the wine’s rich fruit and oak-derived complexities. This precise acidity is a result of the Bolgheri terroir and careful winemaking techniques, ensuring a long-lasting and harmonious wine. Maintaining this level is vital for the wine’s longevity and ability to evolve gracefully in the bottle.
Total Acidity
Sassicaia 2021 presents a total acidity of 6.10 grams per liter, a key indicator of the wine’s structure and vibrancy. This measurement reflects the concentration of acids – primarily tartaric, malic, and citric – within the wine, contributing significantly to its refreshing character and aging capability. A well-balanced total acidity is crucial for a wine’s overall harmony, preventing it from feeling flat or flabby.
The 6.10 g/L level in Sassicaia 2021 ensures a lively palate and a crisp finish, complementing the wine’s complex aromas and flavors. This acidity also plays a vital role in preserving the wine’s fruit-forward character over time, allowing it to develop further nuances with age. Careful vineyard management and winemaking practices contribute to achieving this optimal acidity level, resulting in a wine of exceptional quality and longevity.
Residual Sugar
Sassicaia 2021 exhibits a remarkably low residual sugar content, measured at just 0.15 grams per liter. This indicates that nearly all the grape sugars were converted into alcohol during fermentation, resulting in a dry wine style characteristic of the Bolgheri region and Sassicaia’s signature profile. The minimal presence of residual sugar contributes to the wine’s elegance and allows the complex flavors to shine through without any cloying sweetness.
This dryness is a deliberate choice in the winemaking process, emphasizing the purity of fruit and the interplay of tannins and acidity. A low residual sugar level also enhances the wine’s aging potential, as it reduces the risk of microbial instability. The 0.15 g/L measurement confirms Sassicaia 2021’s commitment to producing a sophisticated and balanced wine, appealing to discerning palates seeking a truly dry expression of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc.
Tasting Notes and Characteristics of the 2021 Vintage
The 2021 Sassicaia presents a complex nose, revealing fresh minty lavender hints alongside vibrant citrus notes beautifully intertwined with sweet spice undertones.
Aroma Profile
The 2021 Sassicaia distinguishes itself with a captivating and intricate aroma profile, immediately drawing the taster into a world of nuanced scents. Upon initial inspection, fresh and invigorating minty notes emerge, gracefully interwoven with the delicate floral essence of lavender. This herbaceous foundation is beautifully complemented by a bright, zesty character derived from prominent citrus aromas, offering a refreshing lift to the bouquet.
Beyond the initial impressions, the wine reveals layers of complexity through the introduction of sweet spice notes, adding warmth and depth. These spice elements aren’t overpowering, but rather subtly integrated, enhancing the overall aromatic experience. The interplay between the mint, lavender, citrus, and spice creates a harmonious and inviting fragrance, indicative of the wine’s exceptional quality and careful craftsmanship. It’s a profile that promises a similarly complex and rewarding experience on the palate.
Minty and Lavender Hints
The 2021 Sassicaia presents a unique aromatic duality, immediately recognizable by its distinct minty and lavender hints. These aren’t simply present; they are remarkably fresh and integrated, forming a foundational layer of the wine’s complex bouquet. The mint contributes a cooling sensation, evoking a sense of vibrancy and cleanliness, while the lavender introduces a delicate floral perfume, adding elegance and sophistication.
This combination isn’t accidental; it speaks to the specific terroir and the careful selection of grapes. The herbaceous quality of the mint suggests a well-drained soil and optimal sun exposure, while the lavender hints point to a nuanced expression of the Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc blend. These aromatic cues are not overpowering, but rather subtly woven into the overall profile, creating a captivating and memorable olfactory experience, hinting at the wine’s finesse and balance.
Citrus and Spice Notes
Complementing the intriguing mint and lavender aromas in the 2021 Sassicaia are vibrant citrus and subtle spice notes, adding further depth and complexity to its aromatic profile. Bright citrus fruits, reminiscent of grapefruit and orange zest, provide a refreshing lift, balancing the herbaceous and floral elements. These aren’t overly pronounced, but rather contribute a zesty brightness that enhances the wine’s overall appeal.
Intertwined with the citrus are delicate spice notes – hints of cinnamon, clove, and perhaps a touch of black pepper. These spices aren’t aggressive; they offer a warm, inviting undertone, adding layers of intrigue and sophistication. The interplay between the citrus and spice creates a harmonious balance, showcasing the wine’s elegant structure and refined character. This aromatic complexity is a hallmark of the vintage, reflecting the ideal growing conditions and meticulous winemaking process.
Palate and Structure
The Tenuta San Guido 2021 Bolgheri Sassicaia distinguishes itself with impeccable balance and excellent freshness on the palate, a testament to the favorable growing season. Notably, there are absolutely no signs of over-ripeness, preserving a vibrant acidity that drives the wine’s structure. This acidity isn’t sharp, but rather seamlessly integrated, providing lift and length to the finish.
The tannins are refined and well-managed, offering a gentle grip without being overpowering. This contributes to a smooth, elegant mouthfeel, allowing the fruit and aromatic complexities to shine. The wine possesses a medium-to-full body, displaying a harmonious integration of all its components. It’s a wine built for aging, yet already approachable in its youth, promising a long and graceful evolution in the bottle. The structure suggests considerable longevity and potential.
Balance and Freshness
A defining characteristic of the 2021 Sassicaia is its remarkable balance, a harmonious interplay between fruit concentration, acidity, and tannins. This vintage avoids the heaviness sometimes found in warmer years, instead showcasing a vibrant freshness that elevates the overall drinking experience. The wine doesn’t feel forced or opulent; it’s remarkably poised and refined.
This freshness isn’t merely a perception, but a structural element, driven by the wine’s acidity. It provides lift and prevents the wine from feeling weighty on the palate. The balance ensures that no single component dominates, allowing the complex aromas and flavors to unfold gracefully. This characteristic suggests excellent aging potential, as the wine’s structure will support its evolution over time, maintaining its vibrancy for years to come.
Absence of Over-Ripeness
The 2021 Sassicaia distinguishes itself through a notable absence of over-ripeness, a crucial factor contributing to its elegance and longevity. Unlike some vintages prone to jammy or overly concentrated flavors, the 2021 exhibits restraint and finesse. This is a testament to the careful vineyard management and the cooler conditions experienced during the growing season.
This lack of over-ripeness translates to a wine with beautifully integrated tannins and a refreshing acidity, preventing the palate from feeling cloying or heavy. The fruit flavors remain pure and defined, avoiding the cooked or raisined notes that can sometimes develop in warmer climates. This characteristic is highly desirable, as it ensures the wine maintains its structure and vibrancy, promising a long and graceful aging trajectory, delivering a truly classic expression of Bolgheri.
Production Details for 2021
The Tenuta San Guido produced 3,310 hectoliters, equivalent to approximately 36,700 cases, of the 2021 Sassicaia, cultivated across 80 hectares of vineyards.
Total Production Volume
The 2021 vintage of Tenuta San Guido’s Bolgheri Sassicaia witnessed a total production volume of 3,310 hectoliters. This translates to roughly 36,700 cases, representing a consistent output based on a five-year average. This substantial volume reflects the careful management of the estate’s 80 hectares of vineyards dedicated to this iconic Super Tuscan wine.
Maintaining this level of production allows Tenuta San Guido to meet global demand while upholding the stringent quality standards that have defined Sassicaia since its inception. The consistent yield demonstrates the vineyard’s resilience and the expertise of the winemaking team in navigating the challenges of each growing season. The meticulous approach ensures that each bottle embodies the unique character of the Bolgheri terroir.
Vineyard Area
The prestigious Tenuta San Guido estate dedicates approximately 80 hectares, equivalent to 198 acres, to the cultivation of the grapes destined for Sassicaia. This substantial vineyard area is strategically located within the Bolgheri region, benefiting from a unique microclimate and soil composition. The careful selection of vineyard sites is paramount to achieving the wine’s distinctive character and complexity.
These vineyards are meticulously maintained, employing sustainable practices to ensure the health of the vines and the preservation of the surrounding ecosystem. The estate’s commitment to quality extends to every aspect of vineyard management, from pruning and canopy control to soil analysis and irrigation. This dedication to the land is fundamental to the consistent production of world-class Sassicaia.
Availability and Pricing of Sassicaia 2021
The 2021 Sassicaia, continuing the legacy of Italy’s pioneering Super Tuscan, commands a significant presence in the fine wine market, though availability remains limited due to high demand and relatively small production volumes. Initial releases typically prioritize allocations to established distributors and loyal clientele of Tenuta San Guido.
Pricing for a standard bottle of the 2021 vintage varies considerably depending on the market and retailer, generally ranging from $300 to upwards of $500 USD. Auction prices frequently exceed these figures, particularly for larger formats or exceptionally well-stored bottles. Prospective buyers should consult reputable wine merchants and auction houses for current pricing and availability information.