Product Type: Red Wines
Country: Italy
Region: Tuscany
Producer: Guado al Tasso
Alcohol: 14%
Grape Varieties:50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 10% Syrah
Closure: Cork

Producer: The Bolgheri DOC, situated near the coast a hundred kilometres south-west of Florence, started out as a rose-only; whites were permitted in 1984, and ten years later the laws finally recognised the extraordinary success of the mould-breaking Cabernet-based reds. Antinori's Guado al Tasso estate debuted with the 1990 vintage, and covers 1000 hectares of land stretching from the hills around the village down to the coast. The vineyard itself comprises 300 hectares, with the remainder planted to wheat, sunflower and olives.

Vineyard: The vineyards lie at 45-60 metres above sea level, with a rocky limestone soil. Cuttings were supplied from the on-site nursery. Merlot was harvested in early September, the other varieties from mid September onwards.

Winery: The grapes were destemmed, lightly crushed, and fermented in stainless steel for 15-20 days, at a maximum of 30C. The wine was then transferred to new French barriques (Alliers and Troncais) for malolactic, racked, blended and returned to barrel for fourteen months ageing.

Taste: A fruity nose, with hints of toast, coffee and dark chocolate. Finely structured and complex; balanced, with soft texture and a lingering finish. Displays unmistakable varietal flavor while retaining strong regional character.