Want to dip your toe into Italian Fine wine, yet aren't sure where to begin? We have you covered as we've just received our allocation of Guidalberto and Le Difese 2019 from the estate famed for the Super Tuscan, Sassicaia: Tenuta San Guido
Guidalberto was a project started in 2000, born out of the desire to explore how Merlot would grow at the Tenuta San Guido estate. At first Sangiovese was included, however, it is now a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot from three vineyard sites surrounding Bolgheri. It is often referred to as the "little brother" to the winery's celebrated flagship wine: Sassicaia.
Le Difese one the other hand was first produced in 2002 as an introduction to the Tenuta San Guido range; a wine that is distinguished by generous fruit, lively freshness and joyous drinkability. The 2019 vintage is a blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon and 45% Sangiovese (much higher than normal due to the vintage - usually ca. 30%) and grapes are sourced from both the San Guido estate, as well as non-estate vineyards in Central Tuscany.
Guidalberto 2019 | £40.70 per bottle
"Another stellar vintage for Guidalberto, which year after year defines itself with its own identity and personality. It exudes a perfectly ripe character of bright dark berries, at once pure and floral, and a sense of minerality with graphite and stony character on the nose. The palate is dense, vibrant and balanced, with a sense of harmony and solidity. This is the wine that always delivers early in its life – and it offers real value, too. The identity of 2019 with Guidalberto is already giving you a hint of where Sassicaia will be next year." Nicolas Clerc MS
"Mid ruby with a touch of sediment – a sample blend, rather than a finished wine, as with the last two release presentations. Quite reticent on the nose, just giving hints of what it’s got – a flash of creamy vanilla, a scent of ripe, plummy, black fruit and some toasted tobacco. Full bodied, with mouth-coating but fine-grained tannins. Plump and velvety – Merlot making its presence felt here. Pretty good length too. This is embryonic and a little closed, but I think has plenty to give – an attractive Guidalberto that will reward cellaring." Drink 2024-2035. 17+/20 points. Tim Jackson MW (jancisrobinson.com)
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Le Difese 2019 | £24.19 per bottle
"Fragrant and open, with aromas of ripe raspberries and cranberries, notes of violet and a real Mediterranean character of oregano and tarragon, black olives and vine-ripened tomatoes. The palate is tense and fresh, light and easy. Le Difese in 2019 is a symbol of conviviality and approachability, which you will enjoy from 2021 and over the next 3 years." Nicolas Clerc MS
"Surprisingly pale – more Pinot-like than a Cabernet blend! A sweet-sour red-cherry fruit profile, with a notable herbal edge, perhaps reflecting the higher Sangiovese proportion than 2018. On swirling, some cassis joins the party and there’s a background woody, cinnamon note. That sweet-sour sense comes through on the palate too, with a ripeness of red cherry and strawberry cut through with acidity. Pretty fine-grained, powdery tannins that are more refined than previous Le Difese vintages I have tasted. A touch of alcohol on the finish, but overall an enjoyable, perfumed red." Drink 2021-2024. 16/20 points. Tim Jackson MW (jancisrobinson.com)
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Prices quoted are per bottle, by the case (6x75cl) and include UK Duty and VAT.
Free UK mainland delivery on orders over the retail value of £200 or more, otherwise standard delivery is charged at £9.95.
